AGE-RELATED FEATURES OF THE ORAL MUCOSA AND THEIR ROLE IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF ORAL CANDIDIASIS IN NEWBORNS
Keywords:
newborns, oral candidiasis, oral mucosa, neonatal period, Candida albicans, local immunity, pediatric dentistry, oral microbiome, risk factors.Abstract
Oral candidiasis is one of the most common infectious diseases of the oral cavity in newborns. The high susceptibility of neonates to fungal infections is largely associated with the anatomical and physiological immaturity of the oral mucosa, insufficient development of local immune defense mechanisms, and the instability of the oral microbiome during the neonatal period. The present article reviews age-related characteristics of the oral mucosa in newborns and analyzes their role in the pathogenesis of oral candidiasis. Particular attention is paid to the structural features of the epithelium, vascularization, barrier function, local immunity, and microbial colonization of the oral cavity. The findings indicate that the immaturity of oral tissues and protective mechanisms creates favorable conditions for colonization and proliferation of Candida species. Understanding these age-related features is essential for improving preventive measures, early diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment of oral candidiasis in newborns.
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