What is Oral Thrush
Oral candidiasis, Oral Thrush, is a fungal infection of the mouth caused by excessive growth of the yeast Candida albicans. Usually, buccal candidiasis begins on the tongue and inside the cheeks and can spread to the palate, gums, tonsils, and throat. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the larynx (voice box), digestive tract, respiratory system, or skin.
Oral Thrush Causes
Many microorganisms live in the mouth, including candida and bacteria. Buccal candidiasis occurs when the normal balance of these organisms is affected. This situation allows the excessive growth of candida (a form of yeast).
Oral Thrush Risk factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. In this case, their risk factors are:
- Age:
- Babies and children who start walking
- Elderly
- Weak immune system because of:
- HIV / AIDS
- Cancer or medical treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy
- Stress
- Long-term illness
- Use of antibiotics
- Use of corticosteroids, oral or inhaled
- Diabetes
- Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or use of birth control pills
- Dentures
- Conditions that cause a dry mouth
- Smoking
Oral Thrush Symptoms
Symptoms of oral candidiasis they occur in the mouth. Symptoms include:
White and protruding portions
Red, slightly protruding portions
Secretion with a lump-like appearance (like cottage cheese)
Thick cover, dark brown in mouth
Dry mouth
Cracks or cracks in mouth
If the infection spreads down your esophagus, you may also experience:
Difficulty or pain when swallowing
Sensation of something 'stuck' in your throat
If oral thrush is spread systemically, you can develop a fever.
Oral Thrush Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and examine your mouth. A sample of cells can be taken from the affected area by scraping and examined under a microscope.
Oral Thrush Treatment
The goal of treatment is to restore the normal balance of bacteria and candida in the mouth. Treatments may include:
Antimycotic Drugs
Oral thrush should be treated with pills, tablets (pills that dissolve in the mouth), pills or mouthwashes, with which they swish and then swallow. Medications that are active against candida include:
Nistatina
Clotrimazol
Miconazo
Gentian violet (occasionally)
Breastfeeding mothers of babies with oral candidiasis can use a topical antifungal medication on their nipples to reduce the baby's infection.
Treatment of Underlying Medical Conditions
Underlying conditions that can contribute to oral candidiasis can be identified and treated.
Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene practices that can help in healing include:
Rinse your mouth with warm salty water
Gently scrape the portions with a toothbrush
If you are diagnosed with oral thrush, follow the directions of your doctor.
Oral Thrush Prevention
There are some preventive measures that can be taken to reduce your risk of Oral Thrush. Oral Thrush in adults is associated with AIDS. Take an HIV test and follow the recommended prevention guidelines: use condoms and other protections, and avoid the use of non-sterile needles.
- If you are at high risk or prone to oral candidiasis, you may receive antifungal medications as a preventive measure.
- If you are prone to oral candidiasis, avoid excessive use of mouthwashes and mouth sprays. These can upset the normal balance of candida and bacteria in your mouth.
- If your baby has a tendency to develop mouth candidiasis and use a bottle, use disposable teats.
Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics. - If you must take antibiotics, consider eating yogurt or using acidophilus tablets during antibiotic treatment for several weeks thereafter.
- Decrease the consumption of sugar and food and drinks that contain yeast, such as bread, wine and beer.
- If you use a cortisone inhaler, rinse your mouth thoroughly after each use.