Oral Thrush: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Oral thrush is a common condition that affects many people at some point in their lives. It is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans in the mouth, which can lead to white patches, soreness, and difficulty swallowing. Oral thrush can affect anyone, but it is more likely to occur in babies, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems or certain medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for oral thrush, as well as some tips on how to prevent it.

What Causes Oral Thrush?

Candida albicans is a type of yeast that normally lives in small amounts on the skin and inside the body, such as in the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina. It usually does not cause any problems, unless the balance of microbes in the body is disrupted by factors such as:

• Illnesses or medications that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, steroids, or antibiotics.
• Diabetes or other conditions that affect blood sugar levels and saliva production.
• Dry mouth or poor oral hygiene.
• Smoking or wearing dentures that do not fit well.
• Pregnancy or hormonal changes.
• Stress or lack of sleep.

When these factors create an environment that favors the growth of Candida, it can multiply and cause an infection in the mouth, known as oral thrush or oral candidiasis.

What Are the Symptoms of Oral Thrush?

Oral thrush can have different symptoms depending on the severity and location of the infection. Here are some of the typical signs and symptoms to watch out for:

• Creamy white lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, gums, tonsils, or back of the throat. These lesions may look like cottage cheese and may bleed if scraped or brushed.
• Redness, soreness, burning, or itching in the mouth or throat.
• Difficulty eating or swallowing due to pain or a feeling of food getting stuck.
• Experiencing a loss of taste or an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
• Developing cracks and redness at the corners of your mouth, a condition known as angular cheilitis.
• A cottony or fuzzy feeling in the mouth.

In some cases, oral thrush may spread to other parts of the body, such as the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach), the lungs, the liver, or the skin. This can happen more often in people with compromised immune systems or other health problems. If this occurs, additional symptoms may include:

• Fever or chills.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing.
• Abdominal pain or bloating.
• Rash or itching on the skin.

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

How Is Oral Thrush Diagnosed?

To diagnose oral thrush, your doctor will examine your mouth and throat for signs of infection. They might also inquire about your medical background and the medications you’re currently using. In some cases, they may take a small sample of the affected tissue (a swab or a biopsy) and send it to a laboratory for testing. This can help confirm the presence of Candida and rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.

How Is Oral Thrush Treated?

The treatment for oral thrush depends on the severity and extent of the infection.

For mild cases, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications that you apply directly to your mouth (topical treatment), such as:

• Antifungal lozenges (troches) that dissolve in your mouth and kill Candida. Examples include clotrimazole (Mycelex) and nystatin (Mycostatin).
• Antifungal mouthwashes (suspensions) that you swish around your mouth and spit out. Examples include nystatin (Bio-Statin) and fluconazole (Diflucan).
• Antifungal gels or creams that you apply to your tongue and inner cheeks with a cotton swab. Examples include miconazole (Oravig) and clotrimazole (Lotrimin).

For moderate to severe cases, or if topical treatment does not work well enough, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications that you take by mouth (oral treatment), such as:

• Fluconazole (Diflucan), which is a pill that you swallow once a day for 7 to 14 days.
• Itraconazole (Sporanox), which is a liquid that you drink twice a day for 7 to 14 days.
• Voriconazole (Vfend), which is a pill that you swallow twice a day for 7 to 14 days.

For very severe cases, or if oral treatment does not work well enough, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications that you receive through a vein (intravenous treatment), such as:

• Amphotericin B (AmBisome), which is a powerful drug that is given in a hospital setting under close monitoring.
• Caspofungin (Cancidas), which is a newer drug that is given once a day in a hospital setting.

The duration of treatment may vary depending on the type and dose of medication, the severity of the infection, and your response to treatment. You should follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and complete the full course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve or disappear. This can help prevent the infection from coming back or becoming resistant to the medication.

What Are the Possible Complications of Oral Thrush?

Oral thrush is usually a minor problem that goes away with proper treatment. However, if left untreated or poorly treated, it can lead to complications such as:

• Chronic oral candidiasis, which is a persistent or recurrent infection that does not respond well to treatment and may cause discomfort and interfere with your quality of life.
• Candida esophagitis, which is an infection of the esophagus that can cause pain, difficulty swallowing, and malnutrition.
• Systemic candidiasis, which is an infection that spreads to other parts of the body, such as the blood, organs, or tissues. This can be life-threatening and require intensive care.

How Can I Prevent Oral Thrush?

There are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing oral thrush or prevent it from recurring. These include:

• Practicing good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly. You should also replace your toothbrush often, especially after an infection or if you have a weakened immune system.
• Cleaning and disinfecting your dentures if you wear them. You should remove them at night and soak them in a denture cleaner or a solution of water and vinegar. You should also rinse them well before putting them back in your mouth.
• Rinsing your mouth after using an inhaler or a corticosteroid spray for conditions like asthma or allergies. This can help remove any residue that may promote fungal growth.
• Eating yogurt or taking probiotics that contain live cultures of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. These can help restore the balance of microbes in your mouth and prevent Candida overgrowth.
• Avoiding foods and drinks that are high in sugar or yeast, such as bread, beer, wine, soda, candy, and honey. These can feed Candida and make it grow faster.
• Stopping to quit smoking or staying away from secondhand smoke. Smoking can damage your oral tissues and impair your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.
• Managing your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. High blood sugar can increase the amount of sugar in your saliva, which can encourage Candida growth.
• Treating any underlying medical conditions that may affect your immune system, such as HIV/AIDS or cancer. You should also follow your doctor’s advice on taking any medications that may weaken your immune system, such as antibiotics or steroids.
• Reducing stress and getting enough sleep. Stress and lack of sleep can lower your immunity and make you more prone to infections.

Also read on “Stomatitis : A Comprehensive Guide to Painful Mouth Sores”, click here.

Conclusion

• Oral thrush is a common fungal infection that can affect anyone at any age. It is usually not serious and can be easily treated with antifungal medications. However, it can also cause complications if left untreated or poorly treated, especially in people with weakened immune systems or other health problems. Therefore, it is important to recognize the symptoms of oral thrush and seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should also take preventive measures to maintain good oral health and avoid factors that may trigger or worsen the infection. By doing so, you can keep your mouth healthy and free of oral thrush.

We hope this blog post has helped you understand more about Oral Thrush. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. We are happy to help you with your dental needs. Thank you for reading till the end. Stay safe.