Hyposalivation and oral candidiasis-A short review

Oral candidiasis is an opportunistic fungal infection commonly encountered in immunocompromised individuals. The oral cavity harbours numerous microbes and along with immunity saliva also maintains oral health. The Candida species form biofilm over the tissue and prosthetic surfaces. The biofilm formation results in persistent colonisation and persistent infection. The saliva in the oral cavity maintains the integrity of the oral environment by washing away the microbes through its flow and with its antimicrobial agents. The significant role of salivary histatins as an antifungal agent diminishes with hyposalivation. The importance of saliva in preventing fungal colonisation and infection is discussed in this review.