Oral Candidiasis Flashcards
What is oral candidiasis?
Common oral infection caused by candida species
What is Candida?
Opportunistic pathology
What is most common candida spp in oral infections?
Candida albicans
What is candida albican?
Dimorphic fungus
What does dimorphic fungus mean?
Present in yeast (blastopore) or hyphae form
What protective mechanisms do we have against candida infection?
- Saliva
- Epithelium
- Microbes
What are pre-disposing factors for oral candidiasis?
Age - weaker immune
Dentures
Xerostomia
Antibiotics
Immune deficiency/ suppressant
Smoking
Diabetes
Dietary deficiency - B12/ iron/ folate
Common management of candida infection?
Eliminate and treat underlying cause
Topical agents
Systemic agents
What are topical agents used for candida infection?
Nystatin - pastils/ mouthwash
Miconazole
What must be done w/ miconazole gel?
Used 7 days post resolution of lesion
What systemic agents can be used?
Fluconazole
What investigations can be done?
Oral rinse - general candida count
Oral swab - culture and sensitvity
Blood tests - deficiencies - B12/ folate/ iron/ blood glucose
What type of candida is problematic?
Hyperplastic candidiasis - pre-malginant
How manage hyper plastic candidiasis?
Incisional biopsy - assess dysplasia/ malignant changes
Smoking cessation
Systemic antifungals
What is denture stomatitis?
Associated w/ ill-fitting and poor denture hygiene - often present up to 50% denture wearers
Often more prevalent upper arch where denture foot print is larger
