Oral Thrush

Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by the Candida albicans fungus. It occurs when there is an overgrowth of this fungus in the mouth, leading to a range of symptoms.

What is Oral Thrush?

Oral thrush is a type of yeast infection that affects the mucous membranes of the mouth, including the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, and throat. It is more common in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or taking immunosuppressive medications.

Symptoms of Oral Thrush

The symptoms of oral thrush may include:

• White patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, and throat
• Redness and inflammation in the affected areas
• Pain or discomfort when eating or swallowing
• Bleeding or cracking of the corners of the mouth
• Foul-smelling breath (halitosis)
• Taste disturbances, such as a metallic or bitter taste
• Dryness and soreness in the mouth

Causes and Risk Factors of Oral Thrush

Oral thrush can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Weakened immune system due to illness or medication
• Prolonged use of antibiotics or corticosteroids
• Dry mouth (xerostomia) due to medications or other conditions
• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking or using tobacco products
• Wearing dentures, especially if they are not properly cleaned and maintained
• Nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B12 or iron deficiency

Treatments for Oral Thrush

The treatment of oral thrush depends on the severity of the infection and the individual's overall health. Treatment options may include:

• Antifungal medications, such as clotrimazole (Mycelex) or fluconazole (Diflucan), which can be taken orally or applied topically to the affected areas
• Topical antifungal creams or gels, such as nystatin (Mycostatin) or miconazole (Micatin)
• Oral rinses with salt water or baking soda to help reduce inflammation and kill fungus
• Good oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing regularly and cleaning dentures properly
• Avoiding sugary foods and drinks, which can contribute to the growth of Candida
• Managing underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS, to help prevent the development of oral thrush

Prevention of Oral Thrush

To prevent oral thrush, it is recommended to:

• Practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly
• Clean dentures properly and regularly
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks
• Quit smoking or using tobacco products
• Manage underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS
• Avoid taking antibiotics or corticosteroids unless necessary

Complications of Oral Thrush

If left untreated, oral thrush can lead to complications, such as:

• Spread of the infection to other parts of the body, such as the esophagus or lungs
• Increased risk of developing other infections, such as bacterial or viral infections
• Persistent pain or discomfort in the mouth
• Difficulty eating or swallowing
• Nutritional deficiencies due to difficulty eating or swallowing