PREVALENCE, DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF FUNGAL ORAL PATHOLOGY. REVIEW.

The orofacial region are often affected by a diverse spectrum of bacterial, viral, fungal, chlamydial, rickettsial, protozoal, and helminthic infections. Diagnosis of oral candidiasis is often made with a thorough history and the clinical examination findings. Some laboratory investigations can also be used as adjuncts to confirm the clinical presentation. Candida pathogens in a smear taken directly from the lesion are commonly identified using Gram staining or periodic acid Schiff staining, or by culturing the pathogen in Sabaraud’s dextrose agar. Regardless of the prevalence, incidence, and the advancement of treatment strategies, orofacial infections, either local or the manifestations of a generalized infection, may cause significant discomfort and suffering. Oral clinicians need to be equipped with up-to- date knowledge of the clinical pictures of new infections, approaches in accurate identification of orally limited infections vs oral manifestations of underlying systemic diseases. Treatment of oral candidiasis is primarily based on the identification of underlying predisposing factors and correcting them.