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What to know about oral thrush

Thrush is a yeast infection that can develop in several areas of the body. An oral yeast infection occurs when excess Candida fungus infects a person’s mouth and throat.

Oral yeast infections are more common now than they used to be.

Researchers believe this is due to the introduction of antibiotics, immunosuppressant drugs, and an increase in the number of people who have diabetes, AIDs, and other immunosuppressive conditions.

In this article, we will discuss the symptoms and causes of oral thrush, whether it is contagious, home and clinical treatments, and considerations for breastfeeding.

There are many different symptoms of oral yeast infections.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, these include:

white patches on the tongue, the roof of the mouth, throat, and inner cheeks

redness or soreness in the mouth

the mouth feeling like cotton

not being able to taste things

pain when eating or swallowing

cracking of the skin at the corners of the mouth

Cause

According to a 2020 articleTrusted Source, a specific fungus called Candida causes oral yeast infections. The most common Candida fungus is Candida albicans.

However, other Candida fungus may cause this condition. Non-albicans Candida infections are more common in people who are over 80 years old than in younger people.

Candida is present in every person’s body. The fungus live in moist areas, such as the throat and vagina.

When a person is healthy, their immune system and other bacteria stop Candida from growing.

However, Candida fungus can grow if a person’s immune system stops working properly or medications or medical conditions alter the environment.

Medical treatment

According to a 2015 articleTrusted Source, the most common remedy for oral yeast infections are antifungal medications.

There is a variety of topical antifungal medications that a person can apply directly to the skin, as well as systemic forms.

Doctors often recommend topical antifungals for people who do not have any immunocompromising conditions.

One of the most common topical antifungals are polyenes, which attack the fungal cells and kill them.

According to an article in Frontiers in MedicineTrusted Source, people may need to use topical antifungals for 4 weeks. If a person experiences a recurring oral yeast infection, a doctor may recommend using medication for up to 6 weeks.

Doctors may recommend systemic antifungals for people who have conditions that affect the immune system, such as HIV or diabetes.

One of the most common systemic antifungal medication is azoles, which people take orally.

However, taking azoles medication carries some risks, such as leading to resistant strains of Candida. Doctors may recommend intravenous medication if oral medication is unsuitable.

Complications

According to a 2020 articleTrusted Source, healthy people who do not have immunocompromising conditions do not tend to develop complications.

However, an oral yeast infection may spread to the pharynx, a part of the throat behind the mouth and nose.

The infection spreading to the esophagus is more common in those who have HIV or AIDS.

This may lead to difficulty swallowing and breathing.

Prevention

According to the 2015 articleTrusted Source, a person can help prevent oral yeast infections by practicing good oral hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing the teeth twice a day.

It is also important to use an antifungal and antibacterial mouthwash and rinses.

People who use inhaled corticosteroid treatments can reduce the risk of developing an oral yeast infection by rinsing their mouth with water or mouthwash after each use.

People with dentures can remove their dentures overnight and soak them in chlorhexidine solution or white vinegar. This removes the fungus from the dentures.

(05/14/2021)
by Medical News Today

More Information: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/yeast-infection-in-mouth#diagnosis

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