**7. Conclusions**

A mutual vicious cycle presents itself between the salivary gland and *Candida* infection: A decrease in the saliva flow rate creates conditions that encourage *Candida* infections, and then the *Candida* infection damages salivary glands, leading to a further decrease in saliva secretion. This pathological malfunction could result in temporary or permanent destruction of the salivary glands and may cause various intraoral symptoms, including dry mouth, speech and swallowing difficulties, and oral infections. Oral candidiasis should be detected early and treated correspondently, using an antifungal agent like nystatin and fluconazole to prevent the development of chronic salivary gland dysfunction. Correction of the underlying disease, biofilm control by using tongue cleaners, and chlorhexidine rinses must be accompanied. Limitation of current treatment options of salivary gland dysfunction are symptomatic management with medication with their side effects. Therefore, scientists have made an effort to regenerate salivary glands, using various sources to overcome the limitations of current treatments. Regeneration of salivary glands has been attempted by the activation of remaining cells with growth factors, genes, cytokines, and the transplantation of progenitor cells and mesenchymal stem cells. However, these technologies are still limited in clinical application and are in a stage that requires further research. Therefore, the clinician's role in the early detection and proper treatment of vulnerable populations who could be exposed to *Candida*-mediated salivary gland dysfunction is important.

**Author Contributions:** Conceptualization, Y.-W.A., H.-M.J., S.-H.J., S.-M.O., and K.C.; methodology, Y.-W.A., H.-M.J., S.-H.J., S.-M.O., and K.C.; writing—original draft preparation, D.H., T.L., S.-M.O., and K.C.; writing—review and editing, Y.-W.A., H.-M.J., S.-H.J., D.H., T.L., S.-M.O., and K.C.; supervision, K.C.; project administration, S.-M.O. and K.C. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

**Funding:** This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) (NRF-2020R1F1A1049150).

**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflict of interest.
