Which of the following fungal infections can affect the oral cavity?

Which of the following fungal infections can affect the oral cavity?

• A. Angular cheilitis
• B. Denture stomatitis
• C. Acute oral candidiasis
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

All of the options listed—angular cheilitis, denture stomatitis, and acute oral candidiasis—represent conditions that can indeed affect the oral cavity, making "all of the above" the correct answer. Angular cheilitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and cracking at the corners of the mouth, often caused by a fungal infection such as Candida. This can lead to discomfort and difficulty in eating or speaking, signifying an oral impact. Denture stomatitis is a type of oral candidiasis that occurs specifically in individuals who wear dentures. It manifests as inflammation of the mucosa beneath the denture and is typically associated with the overgrowth of Candida, indicating a fungal involvement linked to oral hygiene practices and denture care. Acute oral candidiasis, commonly known as thrush, is a fungal infection directly affecting the oral cavity, resulting in white patches on the tongue and other areas inside the mouth. This condition is also predominantly caused by an overgrowth of Candida species. Together, these conditions underscore the prevalence of fungal infections in the oral environment, leading to the conclusion that they all can affect the oral cavity.

All of the options listed—angular cheilitis, denture stomatitis, and acute oral candidiasis—represent conditions that can indeed affect the oral cavity, making "all of the above" the correct answer.

Angular cheilitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and cracking at the corners of the mouth, often caused by a fungal infection such as Candida. This can lead to discomfort and difficulty in eating or speaking, signifying an oral impact.

Denture stomatitis is a type of oral candidiasis that occurs specifically in individuals who wear dentures. It manifests as inflammation of the mucosa beneath the denture and is typically associated with the overgrowth of Candida, indicating a fungal involvement linked to oral hygiene practices and denture care.

Acute oral candidiasis, commonly known as thrush, is a fungal infection directly affecting the oral cavity, resulting in white patches on the tongue and other areas inside the mouth. This condition is also predominantly caused by an overgrowth of Candida species.

Together, these conditions underscore the prevalence of fungal infections in the oral environment, leading to the conclusion that they all can affect the oral cavity.