Relationship Between Oral Hygiene in Newborns and Candida Spp.

Relationship Between Oral Hygiene in Newborns and Candida Spp.: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Little is known regarding the effectiveness of neonatal oral hygiene and its relationship to colonization by Candida spp. in edentulous oral cavities. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate whether the oral hygiene of edentulous infants favors colonization by Candida spp. Newborns with up to 48 hours of life will randomly allocated to two groups. The mothers will instructed to clean the oral cavity with gauze and mineral water three times a day, in the test group, and not to clean, in the control group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• A signed statement of informed consent
• Newborns up to 48 hours of life
• Exclusive breastfeeding
• Edentulous oral cavity

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any feeding other than breastfeeding
• Use of pacifier
• Digit sucking
• Systemic alterations