Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
Published on: December 31, 2017
Oral Candida-biome and Early Childhood Caries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Vanessa C W Man1, Sheetal Manchanda2, Cynthia Ky Yiu1
1Paediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong S.A.R.
Objective:
Candida is a common fungal pathogen in the oral cavity, with Candida albicans being the most prevalent species. Some studies report a correlation between Candida prevalence and dental caries experience in preschoolers, while others report no such association. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association of Candida-biome with Early Childhood Caries (ECC) in preschool children.
Methods:
Seven databases were searched for studies evaluating the correlation between Candida and ECC in healthy preschool children under 71 months of age. Dual independent screening, data extraction, bias risk assessment, meta-analysis, and quality evaluation of evidence were conducted.
Results:
The review included 20 studies with 12 reporting a positive association between Candida prevalence and ECC. The prevalence of Candida albicans in ECC ranged from 60%-84% across sample sites. Certain specific species, including C. dubliniensis and atypical non-albicans Candida (NAC), were also associated with caries severity in preschoolers. The pooled odds ratio (OR) estimate was 7.98 (95%CI; 3.84-16.58) for Candida-biome in plaque samples (I² = 84%), and 9.42 (95%CI: 4.15- 21.40) for Candida-biome in saliva sample (I² = 50%). These results suggest that children with Candida-biome in plaque and saliva have higher odds of having ECC than caries-free children.
Conclusions:
Children with Candida-biome in plaque and saliva samples have a higher risk of Early Childhood Caries, predominantly associated with Candida albicans. Standardised methodologies for evaluating and comparing data on Candida species and ECC are recommended for future studies.
More Related Videos
08:20Systematic Approach to Identify Novel Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Molecules from Plants' Extracts and Fractions to Prevent Dental Caries
Published on: March 31, 2021
05:26Author Spotlight: Oral Candida Diagnosis to Advance Clinical Treatment Regimen for pSS Patients
Published on: March 1, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Development of Human Microbiota
The Oral Microbiota
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Candidiasis