Researchers have found in a new clinical study that oral candidiasis in stomatitis patients is more closely associated with decreased unstimulated salivary flow rate than with chronological aging itself. The findings suggest that reduced salivary flow could serve as a key clinical marker for predicting susceptibility to oral candidiasis, particularly among elderly patients who already present with oral mucosal inflammation.
The study analyzed stomatitis patients across different age groups and measured both stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow rates. Results showed that while age-related changes in the oral environment contribute to disease risk, the strongest predictor of oral candidiasis was diminished unstimulated salivary secretion. In fact, elderly individuals with low salivary flow had a significantly higher incidence of candidiasis compared to their peers with normal salivary rates.
Saliva plays an essential protective role in the oral cavity through mechanical cleansing, antimicrobial peptides, and immune factors. A reduction in unstimulated salivary flow compromises these defense mechanisms, creating a favorable environment for Candida overgrowth. The study emphasizes that clinicians should look beyond age alone and routinely evaluate salivary function when managing stomatitis patients, especially in geriatric care.
These findings have important implications for both prevention and treatment. Identifying patients with low salivary flow could help target antifungal interventions earlier and guide supportive therapies such as salivary stimulants, artificial saliva substitutes, or hydration strategies. Moreover, routine salivary assessments in elderly stomatitis patients may improve clinical outcomes by reducing recurrent infections and improving oral comfort.
The authors recommend integrating salivary flow testing into standard diagnostic protocols for patients presenting with stomatitis. Future research should explore whether interventions aimed at restoring or maintaining salivary flow can reduce the burden of oral candidiasis in aging populations.
Reference:
Tanaka M, et al. Association Between Salivary Flow Rate and Oral Candidiasis in Patients With Stomatitis: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Gerodontology. 2025;42(1):45–54. doi:10.1111/ger.12789
Keywords: oral candidiasis, stomatitis, elderly patients, salivary flow rate, unstimulated saliva, oral health, geriatric dentistry, fungal infection
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