This study aimed to assess the relationship between chronic oral candidiasis and the development of early childhood caries (ECC) in preschool-aged children. A prospective comparative clinical-laboratory study included 70 children aged 3-6 years, divided into two groups: a main group (n=35) with verified chronic oral candidiasis and a control group (n=35). All participants underwent a comprehensive dental examination to determine caries intensity indices (DMFT, DMFS) and oral hygiene status (OHI-S), parental questionnaire-based analysis of dietary habits, and microbiological culture for the detection and quantitative determination of Candida albicans. The results showed that caries intensity was significantly higher in children with candidiasis: the DMFT index was 6.4 ± 3.1 compared to 2.3 ± 1.9 in controls (p<0.001). Candida albicans was isolated from all children in the main group with a mean concentration of 4.2*10⁴ CFU/mL, while carriage in the control group was detected in only 22.9% of children at a substantially lower concentration. Statistical analysis revealed a strong direct correlation between fungal concentration and the DMFS index (rs=0.82, p<0.001), and multiple regression confirmed that C. albicans colonization is an independent predictor of caries intensity. Therefore, severe forms of ECC are linked to persistent oral candidiasis. Because a high concentration of Candida albicans is a substantial biological risk factor, comprehensive caries prevention programs for preschoolers should incorporate microbiological diagnostics and, if needed, antifungal medication.
