Current management and new horizons in the treatment of oral candidiasis

Abstract

Introduction: this study evaluated the effectiveness and perceptions of current treatments for oral candidiasis among dentists in the Salcedo canton. It was focused on identifying prevalent risk factors, first-line treatments, and the need for new therapeutic approaches. Oral candidiasis, a fungal infection predominantly caused by Candida albicans, can become pathogenic under certain conditions, making its early diagnosis and proper management in dental offices crucial. Methods: the study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design, combining quantitative and qualitative methods to describe the current situation and collect data through surveys administered to 15 dentists using non-probabilistic sampling. Results: the results indicated that 53 % of dentists prefer topical antifungals as initial treatment due to their ease of use and fewer side effects. Additionally, the study revealed that the presence of dentures and immunosuppression are the most common risk factors associated with the development of this condition. Responses also highlighted the importance of good oral hygiene and proper management of systemic diseases as key preventive measures. An increase in antifungal resistance has been reported, highlighting the need for continued research and development of new therapies to address emerging resistance. Conclusions: the analysis underscored the need for early diagnoses and effective treatments to improve patients' quality of life, and highlighted unanimous consensus on the importance of developing new therapies to address resistance to existing treatments.