Human oral cavity is home to a number of organisms,
Candida albicans
being one of them. This review article aims at understanding the correlation between the oral candidal colonization and the local host factors that may influence it with special emphasis on congenital craniofacial anomalies such as cleft lip and palate (CLP). Various scientific databases were searched online and relevant articles were selected based on the inclusion criteria. A comparative study was done to understand the interdependence of various factors (including CLP) and oral candidal colonization. The results revealed a strong association of certain local host factors which may influence the oral colonization of
Candida
species. Factors such as mucosal barrier, salivary constituents and quantity of saliva, congenital deformities like CLP, oral prostheses such as dentures/palatal obturators and fixed orthodontic appliances (FOAs) were identified. All these factors may directly affect the growth of
Candida
in the oral cavity. Although numerous studies have pointed a positive correlation between Oral Candidal colonization and local host factors such as oral prostheses, FOA, and oral mucosal barrier only one study has been done, in the Indian subcontinent with respect to the correlation of candidal colonization and CLP. After the evaluation of all the factors mentioned in various case studies, it can be concluded that the presence of local host factors such as orofacial clefts, dental prostheses, FOA, xerostomia, and atrophy of the oral mucous membrane lead to significant increase in candidal colonization, but since very few studies in regard to CLP have been done worldwide and in India, in particular, further studies are warranted.
Dental healthcare continues to be limited for large populations of both developing and developed nations. Hectic metropolitan work schedule, improper dentist-population ratio, lack of awareness, or global health emergencies such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could be the possible reasons. This results in proliferation of teledentistry based practice, aided by global smartphone networking. Smartphone teledentistry apps require proper scientific literature backup along with ready availability in popular app stores such as Google Play store, and Apple app store. This article aims to identify which smartphone apps designed to provide teledentistry features are rooted in evidence-based literature such that the percentage of scientifically supported apps that were commercially available to consumers can be determined. Smartphone apps for teledentistry were evaluated in three phases. Phase 1 identified all teledentistry apps reported in the scientific literature. Phase 2 identified which apps from the literature review were available in the app stores. Phase 3 identified the top teledentistry apps available in the app stores. 11 studies identified 5 apps with only 1 being available in both the app stores. Few apps qualified the scientific searching process, whereas the number of apps available on app stores are greater.
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