Effect of Dental Caries Management on the Candida Albicans Carriage and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Children Living With Perinatal HIV/AIDS Under Antiretroviral Therapy-A Pre- and Post-Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND

Children living with perinatal HIV/AIDS (CLWPHA) have a higher prevalence of dental caries and fungal infections. Caries tooth serves as a niche for Candida colonization and it also impairs oral health-related quality of life. The management of dental caries can eliminate the risk factor for Candida colonization and subsequently can promote their quality of life related to oral health.

AIM: The aim of our study was to determine the effect of dental caries management on the Candida albicans carriage and oral health-related quality of life among CLWPHA under highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

METHODOLOGY: This pre- and post-experimental study was conducted with 40 students. Candida colonization was assessed from the participant's saliva samples. OHRQoL of participants was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 questionnaire.

RESULTS

The mean value of Candida albicans CFUs in saliva after dental caries management was significantly lower compared with before dental caries management. The mean OHIP-14 score after dental caries management was significantly lower compared with the baseline score.

CONCLUSION

Dental caries management can be effective in reducing the oral Candidal colony count, thereby improving their oral health-related quality of life.