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.