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Oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is a yeast infection in the mouth. The most common type of fungus that causes oral thrush is Candida albicans. These fungi live in the mucous membranes lining the mouth.
Most people have slight traces of Candida in their mouths. In some cases, the fungi can overgrow and cause thrush. Thrush is difficult to notice, at least initially, and does not cause severe pain. In most cases, thrush does not indicate a serious medical problem, though it can affect the quality of life.
Candidiasis most commonly affects people with weakened immune systems, such as infants or adults taking certain medications. However, the condition can affect people of all ages.
Oral thrush looks like white spots or lesions on the tongue, palate, or buccal mucosa (lining of the cheek and back of the lips). Lesions associated with oral thrush often have a consistency similar to cottage cheese.
When you wipe the lesions away, they leave a red, raw base. Doing this can also cause minor bleeding. Oral thrush can also cause a mild burning sensation.
Oral thrush can cause the following symptoms:
Various factors can trigger oral flush, including existing medical conditions and poor oral health. The following are common causes of oral thrush:
Because antibiotics can alter the balance of microorganisms in the mouth, anybody taking antibiotics may develop thrush symptoms.
According to Dr. Khushbu Aggarwal, NewMouth’s in-house dentist, "Antibiotics, although necessary, can upset the delicate balance of the microorganisms in your body. Make sure to take antibiotics with a probiotic such as yogurt."
Dry mouth is an oral condition that occurs when the salivary glands in the mouth do not produce enough saliva. Inadequate saliva production increases the risk of oral thrush.
Using an old toothbrush with harbored fungus can cause thrush. Switching toothbrushes or toothbrush tips at least every three months is recommended to prevent the spread of bacteria and fungus.
"A good rule of thumb is to switch out your toothbrush once the bristles start to splay or after you have gotten over a sickness like the common cold," says Dr. Aggarwal.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a highly contagious infection that causes cold sores and may also cause mild candidiasis. HSV-1 is a lifelong disease that spreads through close personal contact, such as kissing and sharing utensils.
Oral thrush is the most common fungal infection cancer patients get while receiving treatment. Cancer treatments weaken the immune system, which can trigger the overgrowth of Candida fungus.
Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing oral candidiasis due to extreme hormonal changes and a weakened immune system, especially during the third trimester.
According to Dr. Aggarwal, steroids compromise the immune system. Using steroid medications long-term can cause thrush flush. If you frequently use an asthma inhaler with steroids, you have an increased risk of developing oral candidiasis.
Pacifiers and baby bottles can make a baby’s mouth too moist, creating an ideal environment for yeast to multiply. Babies should not sleep with a bottle or a pacifier in their mouths.
Thoroughly clean pacifiers and bottle nipples in the dishwasher or soak them in hot water after each use to remove bacteria and fungus.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends stopping pacifier use altogether after a baby turns six months old to prevent thrush and other oral conditions such as bite changes.
High levels of glucose make it easier for Candida fungus to grow. More specifically, people with diabetes who do not monitor their blood sugar accurately have a higher risk of developing yeast infections.
People who have diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or take steroid medications are also at risk of developing thrush. In these cases, thrush can be life-threatening since the body is not strong enough to fight it off.
Thrush is a non-life-threatening infection. With proper treatment, it typically goes away within a few days to two weeks. If it doesn't resolve within this timeframe, contact your general dentist.
The first line of treatment for oral thrush is topical medications. If these are not effective, then additional medication may be necessary.
Treatments may include:
Antifungal medications kill fungi inside the mouth. Common medications used to treat thrush include miconazole, clotrimazole, nystatin, itraconazole, and fluconazole. They may come as a tablet, a mouth rinse, or a lozenge.
Antiseptic medications prevent the growth of Candida fungus while also killing harmful bacteria in your mouth. Paroex mouthwash, for example, is an effective treatment for oral candidiasis.
Doctors may prescribe probiotics to support the growth of “healthy” bacteria. Eating unsweetened yogurt can also reduce the symptoms and discomfort of candida infections.
While more research is necessary to determine specific strains of probiotics that help with oral thrush, the general theory is that live cultures help improve the condition.
If oral thrush causes a sore throat, throat lozenges (cough drops) can relieve discomfort. These medications can be bought directly at a drugstore without a prescription. They are also relatively inexpensive.
The best way to prevent thrush is to practice good oral hygiene.
Children and adults should:
Every six months, you should also visit a dentist for teeth cleanings.
Babies and children are susceptible to developing candidiasis because they have decreased immunity. Infants are most vulnerable to developing thrush in their first year of life.
Young children are more likely to develop the condition if they:
If a mother has a vaginal yeast infection while giving birth, the baby can contract oral thrush during vaginal delivery.
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