Candida species are the most common fungal pathogens isolated from the oral cavity. Their oral existence both as a commensal and an opportunist pathogen has intrigued clinicians and scientists for many decades, and recent investigations have revealed many attributes of this fungus contributing to its pathogenicity. In addition, the advent of the human immunodeficiency virus infection and AIDS has resulted in a resurgence of oral Candida infections. Clinicians are witnessing not only classic forms of the diseases but also newer clinical variants such as erythematous candidosis, rarely described hithertofore. Therefore, this review is an attempt at detailing the current knowledge on Candida and oral candidoses together with the newer therapeutic regimes employed in treating these mycoses.

The effects of a magnesium monoperoxyphthalate (MMPP) mouth-rinse, with or without sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), and an MMPP dentifrice, on salivary counts of bacterial flora and yeasts, and on supragingival plaque scores were investigated in 131 healthy oral candida carriers over a 9 week double blind study. There were no changes in the salivary counts of bacteria studied (anaerobes, streptococci, fusobacteria, Actinomyces, Viellonella) in the test or placebo groups. A significant increase in salivary candida counts was seen in subjects using an MMPP rinse and dentifrice compared with placebo subjects and this phenomenon was not influenced by the presence of SLS. A significant reduction in plaque was seen in subjects using an MMPP rinse and dentifrice compared with placebo subjects. Frank candidosis was observed in only 2 subjects (1 in the placebo rinse group and 1 in the MMPP dentifrice group) but erythematous lesions, with subjective reports of soreness, dryness or burning sensation, were recorded and observed more frequently in the experimental groups than in the placebos, especially in those also using SLS. The substantial plaque reduction achieved with MMPP in the absence of tooth staining but with the increase in salivary Candida counts suggests that further studies of MMPP are warranted.