Oral thrush
Background to oral thrush
Oral thrush is caused by fungi such as Candida species. Usually, these organisms live in the mouth and cause no symptoms, but certain circumstances can allow them to increase in number and begin to cause the symptoms described in the “Impact” section. These circumstances can include:
- Disruption to the body’s immune system;
- Oral or inhaled steroids (these dampen the body’s immune response).
- People with diabetes or other hormone disorders (increase susceptibility to infection).
- People with reduced immune systems due to medical treatment or conditions like HIV/AIDS.
- Very young or old people (whose immune systems are less effective)
- A change to the physical environment in the mouth;
- Dentures
- Smoking
- Poor dental hygiene
- Physical irritation or damage to the mouth
- Reduced saliva production (e.g. in elderly people or those with certain medical conditions, or taking certain medications)
- A change to the body’s natural “microbiome” in the mouth:
- After strong antibiotics (these kill off bacteria that normally live in the mouth, and would keep fungal numbers at a normal level).
- People with vitamin or mineral deficiencies (e.g. iron or B12).
- Excessive dairy, sugar or carbohydrate intake can promote fungal overgrowth
What is the impact of oral thrush?
- Common symptoms include:
- A sore tongue or mouth
- White coatings on the tongue or other areas inside the mouth
- Altered sensation in the mouth
- Altered taste
- More serious infections are rare, and generally only occur in patients with reduced immune systems.
Treatments
- Treatment is usually applied directly to the affected areas of the mouth
For more information
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