Evaluation of candida presence with early childhood caries

In our study, it was aimed to evaluate the presence of Candida, which started to be among the etiological factors of severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) and early childhood caries (ECC), in saliva and dental plaque samples of 71 months and younger children living in Uşak. 60 children who were 71 months and younger, systemically healthy, who didn't use drugs in the last 3 months, didn't have intraoral pathology, didn't have a dental treatment experience before, didn't use intraoral apparatus, and who were cooperative and volunteers were included in the study. Our study was carried out by the clinical examinations of 20 children having S-ECC, another 20 having ECC and a control group of 20. Children's dental plaque and saliva were evaluated for Candida presence and Candida species. In the saliva of the S-ECC and ECC groups, the presence of Candida was found to be statistically significant compared to the control group, while it was observed to be higher in dental plaque. More Candida was observed in the saliva and dental plaque of the S-ECC group compared to the ECC group. Candida wasn't observed in the control group. In the S-ECC group, Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis were found in saliva, and Candida albicans in dental plaque. Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida glabrata species were detected in the ECC group's saliva and dental plaque. In conclusion, it is thought that the presence of Candida in saliva and dental plaque, which has a potential role in the pathogenesis of S-ECC and ECC may be important for individual risk assessment. Besides, it was concluded that identification and prevention of passageways may be useful in reducing the prevalence of ECC. Key words: Candida, Dental plaque, Caries, Saliva