Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

Nystatin is an antifungal medication specifically designed to treat oral candidiasis, which is a fungal infection caused by the Candida species. This medication works by binding to the fungal cell membrane, leading to cell death and the resolution of the infection. Nystatin is often administered as an oral suspension or lozenge, making it highly effective for localized infections in the mouth, and it is commonly prescribed for patients with oral thrush, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

Other methods like oral rinses, topical creams, and fluoride varnishes are not primarily antifungal treatments. While oral rinses can provide symptomatic relief or support oral hygiene, they do not have the antifungal properties needed to specifically treat candidiasis. Topical creams are usually meant for skin applications and may not penetrate oral mucosa effectively for treating this condition. Fluoride varnishes are used to prevent dental caries and do not have any effect on fungi. Therefore, Nystatin is the most appropriate choice for the treatment of oral candidiasis.