Among the listed potential conditions associated with pregnancy-related salivary changes, which is a fungal infection?

• A. Demineralization
• B. Increased dental caries
• C. Erosion
• D. Candida (thrush)

Answer: (D)

Fungal infection in this context is candida overgrowth, known as thrush. Candida is a yeast that can take advantage of changes in the oral environment. During pregnancy, hormonal shifts and immune adjustments can alter saliva and the local mouth environment, occasionally allowing Candida to multiply more than normal. That overgrowth manifests as white, curd-like patches on the mucosa that may be scraped away, often with a red, irritated underlying surface.

The other options describe non-infectious processes: demineralization is mineral loss from enamel; increased dental caries is a bacterial process driven by acid production; erosion is chemical wear from acids. These are not fungal infections, which is why candida (thrush) is the correct choice.