Salivary Candida, caries and Candida in toothbrushes

Candida species are common inhabitants of the normal oral microbiota. A few studies founded a relationship between high levels of Candida albicans in the oral cavity and high DMF scores. Toothbrushes can also be reservoirs of microorganisms, the proliferation of these microorganism on a toothbrush could be a major factor for its distribution in the oral cavity. To examine the associations between salivary Candida and DMF, and between salivary Candida and Candida in the toothbrush. 46 healthy school children, who attended a University pediatric dental clinic, were tested for Candida in their saliva and in their toothbrush. Their DMF was recorded. 38 children were Candida-positive (79.2%), out of whom 5 demonstrated a positive growth of Candida in the toothbrushes. No correlation was found between Candida in the saliva and in the toothbrush. The number of Candida-positive girls was significantly higher than the number in boys. No significant relationship between caries experience and the presence of Candida was found No correlation was found between Candida in the saliva and in the toothbrush. The origin of the Candida in the toothbrush is not totally clear.