Oral and potential risk factors among disabled and non-disabled in Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Oral (OC) is an oral health disease that could influence patients' oral health quality of life.

Aim: To estimate prevalence of OC among disabled and non-disabled individuals and its potential risk factors in the Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out among 148 disabled and non-disabled participants. The technique of concentrated oral rinse employing the Sabouraud Dextrose Agar medium accompanied with 0.05% chloramphenicol was conducted to assess and isolate . Oral examination using the World Health Organization guidelines was conducted to examine participants' oral health status. A pre-designed questionnaire was also used to evaluate sociodemographic, medical history, and oral hygiene habits of the studied population.

Results: Out of 148 participants ( = 57, 38%) had colonized . None of the studied population had visible lesions. However, was found in the oral rinses without the subject presenting any lesions or issues caused by (asymptomatic colonization). The most common prevalent OC among participants were , , , , , and ( = 35, 61%; = 8, 14%; = 6, 10%; = 5, 9%; = 2, 4%; and = 1, 2%) respectively. Diabetes, smoking, poor plaque, and gingival status were key potential risk factors that significantly associated with 's density and presence ( = 0.001, = 0.001, = 0.01, and = 0.01) respectively. Disability status had no statistically significant effect on presence and density of .

Conclusion: The prevalence of OC is almost third of the studied population; thus, may provoke a need to develop preventive strategies to reduce the OC rate and establish solid treatment plans.