Oral Candida in children.

One hundred forty healthy children, 3 to 12 years of age, were examined for the presence of oral Candida. Forty-five percent of the 3 to 5 1/2-year olds and 65% of the 6- to 12-year olds were found to be Candida "carriers" (p less than 0.05). No significant sex difference was found in the incidence of Candida "carriers." The salivary IgA concentration did not differ significantly in Candida "carriers" and noncarriers. A significantly higher IgA concentration was found in children 6 to 12 years old (0.02 less than p less than 0.05). The concentration of salivary electrolytes was similar in Candida-positive and Candida-negative children.