Oropharyngeal candidiasis, more commonly known as thrush, is an infection of the mouth in which the fungus (yeast) Candida albicans builds up on the lining of the mouth. Candida is a common bacteria that is harmless in small amounts, but an overgrowth of it can cause infection and symptoms. Thrush can affect anyone, but newborns, toddlers, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk.
The symptoms of thrush may not be noticeable at first and often depend on the age of the affected person. The following are possible signs and symptoms:
Creamy white, slightly raised lesions in your mouth resembling cottage cheese. These usually occur on the tongue or inner cheeks, though you may also get them on the roof of the mouth, gums, and tonsils. People with weakened immune systems sometimes get these in the esophagus.
Redness, burning, cracking, or pain inside or at the corners of your mouth.
Loss of taste.
Pain or difficulty swallowing.
A cottony sensation in your mouth.
Treatment Options
Most healthy adults and children can be effectively treated with antifungal medicine. Mothers with infants who are breastfeeding sometimes spread the disease to each other. They must be treated together to avoid the ongoing transmission of thrush. In these instances, the baby may be prescribed a modest antifungal medication while the mother is given an antifungal lotion for her breasts. Removing the underlying cause of the disease is also important to prevent its recurrence.
The following measures can help prevent the overgrowth of the Candida fungus in your mouth:
Keep your mouth clean. Make sure to brush at least twice a day and floss daily. If you wear dentures, clean them daily. Also, make sure that they fit properly and are not causing any irritation. If you use a corticosteroid inhaler, make sure you rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after each use.
Go to the dentist regularly. This is particularly important if you wear dentures or have diabetes.
Eat a clean diet. Eating healthy is a good idea in general, however sugar can encourage the growth of Candida (among other things). Consume sugary foods in moderation or abstain.
Manage your diabetes. High blood sugar can increase the amount of sugar in the saliva encouraging Candida growth.
If you or your child develop white lesions inside the mouth you should consult your doctor or dentist. Thrush is unusual in healthy older children, teenagers, and adults, so if you do have thrush, you may need to be tested for underlying medical diseases that may have caused its occurrence.