Thrush In Mouth: Definition, Causes, 14 Symptoms, and Treatment

What is Thrush In Mouth?

Oral thrush or also known as oral candidiasis is a fungal infection of the mouth caused by the fungus Candida albicans that accumulates in the lining of the mouth. The condition is not contagious and can usually be treated with antifungal drugs.

Oral thrush or a condition that can also be referred to as oral candidiasis also causes the onset of white lesions. Usually, abnormal lesions or tissues in your mouth are white and located in the area of the tongue or inner cheeks.

Sometimes, another condition when oral thrush occurs is to spread to the roof of the mouth, gums, tonsils, or the back of the throat.

Thrush In Mouth Causes

How do you get thrush in mouth?

Oral thrush can occur when the fungus Candida albicans begins to develop out of control and the immune system is in decline.

The immune system works to ward off bad bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the body, as well as maintain a balance between good and bad microbes. In the event of failure, this imbalance causes fungi and bacteria to begin to multiply and can lead to infection.

Fungal infections in the va**gina are also caused by fungi that cause oral thrush. Although it cannot be transmitted to others, but in women who are pregnant the fungus can be transmitted to the baby during labor. That’s why babies can also experience oral thrush.

The influence of hormones such as stress can also trigger the onset of this disease. Similarly, a number of other medical conditions such as HIV infection, cancer, and diabetes are not controlled.

In addition, if you are taking certain medications, smo**king, wearing bad dentures, or poorly maintained oral hygiene, then this condition can facilitate the occurrence of oral thrush.

Thrush In Mouth Symptoms

In children and older persons

Initially, a person may not be aware of oral symptoms of thrush. Depending on the cause, signs and symptoms can occur suddenly and persist for a long time. The symptoms include:

• White or beige lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, palate, gums and tonsils
• Lesions resembling cheese
• Pain
• Slight bleeding if the lesion is rubbed or scratched
• Cracking and redness of the corners of the mouth (especially in the wearer of dentures)
• Sensations such as cotton wool in the mouth
• Loss of appetite

In severe cases, lesions can spread down to the throat and esophagus (Candida esophagitis). If this happens, the patient may have difficulty swallowing or feeling as if food is stuck in the throat.

In infants and nursing mothers

In addition to typical white mouth lesions, babies may also have difficulty eating or are fussy and irritable. Babies can transmit the infection to their mother during breastfeeding. Women whose breasts are infected with Candida may experience signs and symptoms, among others:

• Nip**ples are very red, sensitive, and itchy
• There are skin flakes in the dark area surrounding the nip**ple (areola)
• The nip**ples hurt when breastfeeding
• Sharp pain deep inside the breast.

How do you get rid of thrush in your mouth?

Thrush In Mouth Treatment for Babies

See a doctor if the baby has oral thrush. Some cases can heal without medical treatment within a week or two, but it is possible that the doctor will prescribe an antifungal solution for the baby’s mouth. The drug is usually used several times a day by smearing the inside of the mouth and tongue with a sponge applicator.

Depending on the age of the baby, your doctor may suggest adding lactobacilli-containing yogurt to your baby’s diet. Lactobacilli is a good bacteria that can help get rid of yeast from the baby’s mouth.

If the baby continues to have oral thrush, especially when it is more than 9 months old, discuss it with the doctor as this could be a sign of a health case.

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Source:

• Image: James Heilman, MD, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
• Video: Medical Centric.