Prevalence of Candida albicans in oral cavities and root canals of children.

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of C. albicans in the oral cavities and root canals of children. Twenty healthy and caries-free children and 13 children with caries, were screened. Imprint samples and sterile paper points were used to obtain the samples from oral cavities and root canals respectively. The production of germ tubes and the development of chlamydospores identified yeast cultures. Sixty-nine percent of children with caries and 5% of caries-free children were found to be Candida carriers. The difference in candidal prevalence between two groups was significant (p < 0.05). Sixty-one point five percent of children were positive for Candida in the root canal. Since, increase in the C. albicans in the oral cavity provides a potential source of the fungus particularly when resistance falls below a certain threshold, attention to strategies for the reduction of this pervasive and persistent pathogen becomes important. Therefore, reduction of caries and or introduction of antifungal agents during root canal treatment of children may be offered.