Association Between Early Candida Infection (Oral Thrush) and Severe Early Childhood Caries (S-ECC)

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to understand the relationship between early Candida infection, known as oral thrush or oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), in infants during their first year and the development and severity of severe early childhood caries (S-ECC). The study will explore how OPC may influence the plaque microbiota and contribute to early dental disease in young children. The study will enroll 70 infants aged 9 to 15 months, divided equally between those with a history of OPC and those without, matched by age and sex. Participants will be observed over multiple visits at baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. During these visits, oral exams and dental plaque or oral swab samples will be collected alongside surveys about demographics, oral hygiene, diet, delivery, feeding methods, and medication use. Throughout the study, researchers will review medical and dental history, perform soft tissue and caries exams, and collect data on oral microbiota changes. The main focus is to assess the onset and severity of S-ECC over 24 months and examine the influence of OPC on oral microbial communities. Parent or guardian consent and ongoing participation over two years are required for comprehensive monitoring and data collection.

Oropharyngeal Candidiasis (OPC) and S-ECC