ABSTRACT
Candida albicans is colonized on different oral surfaces such as tongue, palate, dental caries and plaques. Different factors like age, sex, diet, dietary habits and oral hygiene play role in amount and severity of colonization of this microorganism. Our goal was to determine the relationship between the existence of Candida albicans in oral cavities and dental caries in students of dentistry. This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 121 students of Babol dental school without any history of systemic disease and use of antibiotics or streoidal drugs. After explaining study goals and getting informed consent, the students' demographic information and medical histories were recorded in data sheets. Then clinical examination for determination of DMFT and plaque index was done. Salivary PH was measured. Dental plaque samples were cultured. Data were analysed by SPSS 10.5 using Student t-test, Fisher's Exact test, Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-Square test. 63 [52.1%] students were male and 58 [47.9%] female. The mean age was 24.61 +/- 5.2 years. Candida culture was positive in 53 [43.8%] salivary and 51 [42.1%] plaque samples which in 50[94.3%] of salivary and 45 [88.3%] of plaque cultures was Candida Albicans. 44 students [36.4%] were caries free. The positive Candida cultures were more common in students with more dental caries, less than 7 restorations, oral PH<7, and moderate dental plaque [P<0.05]. It was also more common among smoker students. Presence of Candida Albicans in saliva and plaque samples had no relationship with sugar intake, number of brushing times and sex. Dental caries have significant relationship with existence of Candida Albicans in mouth, low salivary PH and smoking [P<0.05]. Candida Albicans is the most common type of Candida in oral cavity