Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) Practice

What oral condition is primarily treated using topical antifungal medications?

1. Oral candidiasis

2. Periodontal abscess

3. Pharyngitis

4. Dental caries

The correct answer is: Oral candidiasis

Topical antifungal medications are primarily used to treat oral candidiasis, commonly known as thrush. This fungal infection is characterized by white patches in the mouth and throat caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a type of yeast. The medications work by inhibiting the growth of the fungus, allowing the body’s immune system to clear the infection. Other options listed represent different conditions that do not primarily require antifungal treatment. A periodontal abscess, for example, involves a bacterial infection related to gum disease, requiring antibiotics or drainage rather than antifungals. Pharyngitis is inflammation of the throat, which is often viral or bacterial and may require different treatments, such as antibiotics for bacterial causes. Dental caries, or tooth decay, is caused by bacterial activity and necessitates restorative dental procedures rather than antifungal intervention.