Oral yeast infections, called thrush, are caused by fungus or yeast, called Candida albicans. Candida occurr naturally in mouths in low numbers along with other types of good bacteria. Each of these organisms compliments each other by keeping under control. A disrupted equilibrium creates the perfect environment for yeast to thrive and populate, leading to a case of thrush.
Some symptoms of thrush are white patchy areas in your mouth or on your tongue (sometimes these patches bleed when touched), a red or sore area inside your mouth, or cracking along the corners of your mouth.
Chances of getting an oral yeast infection increase when your immune system is compromised. If you are sick, on antibiotics, using corticosteroids, like for asthma then you are more likely to develop thrush. Furthermore, the very old or young are more likely to have oral thrush because they are more fragile. Thrush also deveolps if you have oral sex with a person experiencing a yeast infection.
It is common for infants to develop thrush. Often this clears up on its own and is nothing serious unless it lasts for over a week.
Adult thrush is often linked to bad oral hygiene. It is a sign of serious decay or neglect. Tobacco use has been linked to thrush. The smoke irritate tissue in the mouth, thus easier for yeast to invade and grow.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A doctor or dentist can diagnose you with an oral yeast infection by looking for characteristic velvet-like white areas inside your mouth or along your tongue. If they are doubtful, a culture will be taken by scraping a small sample from your mouth and sending it to the lab where it will be examined under a microscope.
In thrush treatment, you can use a medicated mouthwash or lozenges for about a week. Many doctors also recommend that you eat probiotics which is a type of healthy bacteria found in yogurt. Usually this information is printed on the label.
Healthy people recover from thrush easily and the symptoms clears up quickly. However, if your immune system is compromised, the yeast infection could spread to your throat, esophagus, and bloodstream and other organs. This is a very rare situation, and usually a signal that something more serious is wrong such as an underlying disorder like diabetes.
Practicing good oral hygiene can prevent thrush infections. This means brushing often, especially before bed. If you wear dentures, you should clean them often and remove them at night. Dry mouth provides the perfect conditions for yeast to grow. If you have a medical condition like diabetes, you should do your best to control it. To keep thrush at bay, smoking and tobacco should be avoided.
If any symptoms of thrush occurs, you should visit your doctor immediately so you can receive a diagnosis and start a treatment regimen to restore the equilibrium in your body.