Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Dental OSCE Exam with comprehensive questions and interactive study tools. Enhance your clinical skills and knowledge with detailed explanations and scenarios. Achieve exam success and bolster your dental career!

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What is the primary treatment for candida infections in the mouth?

Corticosteroids
Nystatin
Antibiotics
Fluconazole

The correct answer is: Nystatin

The primary treatment for candidiasis in the mouth is nystatin. Nystatin is an antifungal medication specifically effective against fungal infections caused by Candida species. When used in the oral form, it works by binding to the cell membranes of the fungi, disrupting their integrity and leading to cell death. This targeted action makes nystatin particularly suitable for treating oral candidiasis, also known as thrush. Fluconazole is another effective option, especially for more severe or systemic infections. However, it is generally not the first-line treatment for localized, uncomplicated oral thrush. Antibiotics, while effective against bacterial infections, do not have any action against Candida and can sometimes paradoxically promote fungal overgrowth by disrupting the natural oral flora. Corticosteroids might be involved if managing an inflammatory response but are not a direct treatment for fungal infections. Thus, nystatin stands out as the most favored initial therapy for oral Candida infections.