Candida-Bacterial Biofilms and Host-Microbe Interactions in Oral Diseases

Oral cavity harbors a complex and highly diverse microbial community. Cross-kingdom interactions between Candida and oral bacteria are critical for their co-existence, which may also affect the course and the severity of biofilm-mediated bacterial-mediated diseases. C. albicans has been found in polymicrobial biofilms associated with denture stomatitis, oral mucositis, dental caries, periodontal diseases, peri-implantitis, and root canal infection. Thus, it is of utmost importance to unravel the mechanisms of Candida-bacterial interactions and their impact on the onset and severity of cross-kingdom biofilm-related diseases. Here, we highlight the potential role of Candida-bacterial biofilm interactions in the pathogenesis of oral diseases, especially mucosal infections and dental caries. The influence of Candida-bacterial biofilms on the mucosal host immune response is also discussed. Finally, we present some of the current and prospective therapeutic strategies for controlling these cross-kingdom interactions and their virulence properties associated with oral diseases.