Oral candidiasis is the most prevalent opportunistic infection affecting the oral mucosa. Other names –Moniliasis, thrush. The candidal carriage state is not considered a disease but when candida species become pathogenic and invades the host tissues, oral candidiasis can occur Predisposing factors: Local factors 1-decreased saliva production 2-smoking 3-Impaired local defense mechanism 4-dental prosthesis 5-poor oral hygiene 6-imbalance of the oral microflora 7-topical steroids Systemic factors 1-immunosupressive disease/drugs 2-endocrinal disorders 3-impaired health status 4-broad spectrum antibiotic therapy 5-congenital condition’s Classification A-ACUTE PESUDOMEMBRANOUS CANDIDIASIS -thrush -it is white, cheesy, creamy, loose patches that can be wipped off -base is erythematous -disgeusia Classically an acute condition appearing in 1- infants 2- people taking antibiotics 3- immunosupperesent 4-immunocompressing disease B- ACUTE ERYTHEMATOUS CANDIDIASIS (ATROPHIC) -when pseudomembranous covering of oral thrush is lost -red, erythematous and painful -antibiotic sore mouth C-CHRONIC HYPERPLASTIC CANDIDIASIS -persistent white plaque that can't be wiped off -common site -commisural region of the buccal mucosa -condition progress to severe dysplasia or malignancy and is sometimes refer to as CANDIDAL LEUKOPLAKIA D-CHRONIC ATROPHIC CANDIDIASIS -denture stomatitis/denture sore mouth -seen in palatal mucosa of the denture waring persons associated with I'll denture -A diffuse. Erythema and oedema of the denture bearing area E - ANGULAR CHELITIS -inflammation at the corners or angles of the mouth -very commonly involved species 'is candida albicans -Vitamin b12,iron defiencies and loss of vertical dimensions have been associated with this disease Treatment of oral candidiasis -it may be treated with topical or systemically. Treatment should be continued for 7 days and relapses are common REMOVAL OF CAUSE placement of denture or relining of denture in case of angular cheilitis and chronic atropic candidiasis. ETIOLOGY