What is oral thrush? How do you treat it? Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, and effective treatments for this fungal infection in the mouth and throat.

Understanding Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a fungal infection that occurs when the Candida fungus, which is naturally present in the mouth and digestive tract, grows out of control. This leads to the formation of white, rash-like patches on the tongue, cheeks, upper mouth, tonsils, and throat. Oral thrush can affect people of any age, but it is most common in babies, toddlers, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of Oral Thrush

The symptoms of oral thrush can vary depending on the age of the individual and the type of infection. Common symptoms in adults include:

• White, rash-like patches on the tongue, cheeks, upper mouth, tonsils, and throat
• A dry sensation or cotton-like feeling in the mouth
• Loss of taste
• Raised red spots similar to cottage cheese
• Redness and cracking around the mouth
• If the infection has spread to the esophagus, there may be throat pain and difficulty swallowing

In infants and babies, the symptoms may include:

• White coating on the tongue
• Sore mouth
• Decreased sucking during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, leading to less milk consumption
• Sensitive, cracked, or sore nipples for the breastfeeding mother

Diagnosing Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is usually diagnosed based on the appearance of the white patches in the mouth and throat. In some cases, the doctor may perform a physical examination or order a laboratory test, such as a swab or culture, to confirm the diagnosis.

Treating Oral Thrush

The treatment for oral thrush typically involves antifungal medications, either in the form of mouthwashes, lozenges, or oral tablets. Common medications used include:

• Antifungal mouthwash (nystatin)
• Lozenges (clotrimazole)
• Oral antifungal medicines like fluconazole (Diflucan) or itraconazole (Sporanox)

The duration of treatment can vary from 10 to 14 days, depending on the individual’s age and the underlying cause of the fungal infection. If the infection is severe or the individual has a weakened immune system, the treatment may need to be extended.

Home Remedies for Oral Thrush

In addition to prescription treatments, there are some home remedies that may help alleviate the symptoms of oral thrush, such as:

1. Maintaining good oral hygiene: Brush and floss at least twice a day, and don’t share toothbrushes.
2. Disinfecting dentures: If you wear dentures, make sure to clean them properly to prevent reinfection.
3. Using probiotic supplements: Probiotics can help restore the balance of “good” bacteria in the body.
4. Applying coconut oil: Coconut oil has natural antifungal properties and can be applied to the affected areas in the mouth.
5. Consuming garlic: Garlic has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that may help fight the Candida fungus.
6. Using baking soda: Baking soda can be used as a natural mouthwash to help neutralize the pH in the mouth and reduce the growth of Candida.
7. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods: These can feed the growth of Candida and exacerbate the symptoms of oral thrush.

When to See a Doctor

If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of oral thrush, it’s important to seek medical attention, especially if the infection is severe or persistent. Some signs that you should see a doctor include:

• Thrush-like sores that don’t go away
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• Thrush symptoms accompanied by an underlying medical condition, such as HIV
• In infants, symptoms like dehydration, dark urine, a dry mouth, or bleeding sores in the mouth

A Candida infection may be an indication of other underlying medical problems, so it’s important to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional. They can provide the appropriate treatment and determine if any additional testing or follow-up is necessary.

Preventing Oral Thrush

To help prevent the recurrence of oral thrush, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid sharing personal items like toothbrushes, and manage any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the fungal overgrowth. Additionally, practicing good hygiene during breastfeeding, such as properly cleaning bottles, pacifiers, and breast pumps, can help prevent the spread of the infection between mother and child.

What to Do and When to See a Doctor

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Robert Brennan on April 02, 2023

• Remedies and Treatments for Oral Thrush
• When to See Your Doctor

Oral thrush is a fungal infection in your mouth, throat, or esophagus. It occurs when Candida a fungus, that’s found in your mouth and digestive tract, multiplies. White patches similar to a rash appear in the mouth, on the tongue and cheeks, and in the throat. 

Anyone can develop thrush. Candida, or yeast, is responsible for diaper rash as well as vaginal yeast infections in women. Oral thrush is most common in babies, toddlers, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. 

Oral Thrush Symptoms in Adults 

Oral Thrush has different symptoms depending on your age and the type of infection, including: 

• White, rash-like patches on the tongue, cheeks, upper mouth, tonsils, and throat
• A dry sensation, or cotton-like feeling in your mouth
• Loss of taste
• Raised red spots similar to cottage cheese 
• Redness and cracking around your mouth

If the yeast overgrowth has traveled to your esophagus, you may experience throat pain and have trouble swallowing. People who smoke or wear dentures are also more prone to developing oral thrush. 

Oral Thrush Symptoms in Infants And Mothers

If your child has oral thrush, you’ll see the same thick, white patches on the tongue as well as in the mouth and throat. Other symptoms of this condition in babies include: 

• A sore mouth
• Decreased sucking when breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, which results in consuming less milk
• White coating on the tongue
• Sensitive, cracked, or sore nipples if you’re breastfeeding

Oral thrush clears up within a few weeks with the proper antifungal treatment. The condition may be harder to treat if you have a weakened immune system from HIV infection, cancer, or diabetes.

Immediate Treatment

Treatment is designed to stop the fungus from spreading, but it’s also important to determine the infection’s underlying causes. This can prevent future infections and keep yeast under control.  

Take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Don’t share your toothbrush with anyone and replace it often until the infection clears. If you wear dentures, disinfect them as fungus-covered dentures can lead to reinfection. Talk to your dentist to determine the best way to clean your appliances. 

If oral thrush is developed while breastfeeding, place pads on your breasts to prevent the infection from spreading to your clothing. Avoid pads with plastic barriers, which can cause yeast to grow. Wear a clean bra every day and talk to your doctor to determine how to clean bottles, pacifiers, and breast pumps if you use one.

If you have a mild case of oral thrush after a course of antibiotics, consider eating yogurt or taking an over-the-counter (OTC) acidophilus pill. Probiotics help repopulate the “good” bacteria in your body. 

Long-Term Treatment

Severe cases of thrush are usually treated with antifungal medications. They’re available as tablets, lozenges, or liquids that you swish around in your mouth before swallowing. Common medications include: 

• Antifungal mouthwash (nystatin)
• Lozenges (clotrimazole) 
• Antifungal medicines like fluconazole (Diflucan) or itraconazole (Sporanox). These are taken in tablet or liquid form. 

The course of treatment depends on your age and the cause of the fungal infection. A course of medication lasts from 10 to 14 days. 

If your immune system is uncompromised, oral thrush should resolve within two weeks. If you are immunocompromised or have an underlying medical condition, call your doctor. Here are some symptoms that may be warning signs:

• Thrush-like sores that don’t go away
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• Thrush symptoms with an underlying medical condition, like HIV

If you suspect your child has oral thrush, seek medical care if they:

• Are dehydrated
• Haven’t urinated in more than eight hours
• Have dark urine and a dry mouth
• Bleeding sores in the mouth
• Look or act very sick.

A Candida infection may be an indication of other diseases or medical problems. Talk to your doctor to set up any additional treatment plans.

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9 Home Remedies for Thrush

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Oral thrush is treated with antifungal medication, but you can also ease uncomfortable symptoms with home remedies such as salt water, yogurt, clove oil, apple cider vinegar, and more.

Oral thrush, also called oral candidiasis, is a yeast infection of the mouth. It happens when there’s a buildup of the Candida albicans fungus in the lining of the mouth.

Oral thrush may occur in adults or children.

If you have oral thrush, you’ll need antifungal medication to clear the yeast. However, you may be able to help manage bothersome symptoms with home remedies, too.

Read on to learn how you can help treat the symptoms of this condition at home.

It’s important to treat oral thrush as soon as possible to contain the infection. Doctors often prescribe antifungal medications in the form of mouthwashes, pills, or lozenges.

Mild cases of oral thrush may go away on their own.

The following home remedies, used in addition to antifungal medications, may help relieve symptoms of the infection.

1. Salt water

Salt has antiseptic, cleansing, and soothing properties. This makes it a common home remedy for many oral problems.

Rinsing your mouth with salt water could help relieve symptoms of oral thrush.

To use:

1. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water.
2. Swish the solution throughout your mouth.
3. Spit out the salt solution.

2. Baking soda

Rinsing your mouth with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) may help treat oral thrush.

In a 2009 study, researchers looked at the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate as a disinfectant of Candida albicans adhered to acrylic resin. The test was meant to simulate the daily disinfecting of dentures.

Researchers concluded that, although not the most effective form of disinfectant, baking soda was a “viable alternative.”

To use:

1. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 1 cup warm water.
2. Swish the rinse throughout your mouth.
3. Spit out the rinse.

3. Yogurt

Probiotic yogurt contains live, “good” bacteria cultures that may help treat oral thrush.

The cultures don’t kill Candida. Instead, they stop its growth. They may also help restore the proper balance of good to bad bacteria in the mouth.

Since it’s soft, yogurt is also a great food to eat if you’re having trouble swallowing due to painful mouth and throat lesions.

To use:

1. Eat yogurt a couple times daily at the first sign of oral thrush.
2. Choose unsweetened varieties of yogurt since Candida thrives on sugar.
3. If you don’t like yogurt, you can get the same benefits by taking a daily probiotic supplement.

4. Lemon juice

Lemon juice is thought to have antiseptic and antifungal abilities that help it fight against the fungus that causes thrush.

According to a small 2009 study, lemon juice was found to be a more effective treatment for oral thrush than gentian violet among people with HIV. (Gentian violet is another home remedy for oral thrush, but recent evidence shows it may cause cancer.) Since the study was small, more research is needed.

To use:

1. Add the juice of half a lemon to 1 cup warm or cool water.
2. Drink the mixture, or use as a mouth rinse.

Some people apply lemon juice directly to thrush lesions, but the lemon’s acidity may cause burning and irritation.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric gets its vibrant yellow color from curcumin. Curcumin is a powerful compound thought to have anti-inflammatory abilities.

According to a 2010 study on mice, curcumin may treat oral thrush. The study found curcumin to be an antifungal against both albicans and non-albicans species of Candida, especially when combined with piperine.

Piperine is a compound found in black pepper that helps the body absorb turmeric. Further research is needed on humans.

To use:

1. Make “golden milk” by combining 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon turmeric paste (store-bought or homemade) with a dash of black pepper and 1 cup filtered water or milk of your choice.
2. Heat in a saucepan until warm.
3. Swish the mixture throughout your mouth as you drink it.

6. Clove oil

People have used clove oil as a folk remedy for oral problems for centuries. It’s still used in dentistry today as an antiseptic and pain reliever.

According to a 2005 in vivo and in vitro study on immunosuppressed rats, the main compound in clove oil (eugenol) was found to be as effective in treating oral thrush as the antifungal drug nystatin (Mycostatin).

Further research on humans is still needed, but it may work as a beneficial addition to treatment.

To use:

Take clove oil as a dietary supplement as directed by the manufacturer or your doctor. You can also make a clove mouth rinse:

1. Steep 1 teaspoon whole ground cloves in 1 cup boiling water for at least 5 minutes.
2. Strain the solution, keeping the liquid.
3. Swish the liquid around your mouth.
4. Spit out the solution.

Cloves may cause an allergic reaction or a numbing effect in the mouth in some people.

Buy clove oil here.

7. Oregano oil

Oregano oil is used to flavor foods, but it also has antimicrobial and antifungal abilities.

According to older research from 2001 conducted on mice and in vitro, oregano oil was effective against Candida albicans. Further research is needed.

To use:

1. Combine 2 drops oregano oil with 1 cup water.
2. Swish the mixture throughout your mouth.
3. Spit out the solution.

Never use undiluted oregano oil orally or topically.

Buy oregano oil here.

8. Apple cider vinegar

People with dentures have a higher risk of oral thrush. Dentures that don’t fit properly or that aren’t cleaned well provide the ideal environment for Candida to thrive. This may cause a condition similar to thrush called denture stomatitis.

According to a 2015 in vitro study, apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties against Candida and may be a good alternative treatment option for people with denture stomatitis.

To use:

1. Add 1 teaspoon raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to 1 cup water.
2. Swish the rinse throughout your mouth for at least 15 seconds.
3. Spit out the mixture.

Some natural health professionals recommend rinsing with undiluted apple cider vinegar, but this may cause a painful burning sensation in your mouth.

Buy apple cider vinegar here.

9. Vitamin C

Vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid) is necessary for proper immune system function. It does this by encouraging white blood cell production, which helps protect your body against infection.

It also helps these cells function more effectively and protects them against harmful molecules.

A healthy immune system helps bring balance back to your body. Increasing your intake of vitamin C if you’re deficient may help boost your body’s ability to beat the infection.

Oral thrush almost always causes symptoms, although they range in severity and duration.

Common symptoms are:

• raised white lesions that resemble cottage cheese on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, the roof of the mouth, and tonsils
• mouth redness or soreness
• mouth bleeding
• loss of taste
• feeling like your mouth is full of cotton
• difficulty eating and swallowing if lesions spread to your throat or esophagus

For most people, oral thrush isn’t a serious problem. If your immune system is compromised, however, it may spread and become a systemic infection.

Contact your doctor right away at the first signs of oral thrush if you have a compromised immune system.

Other conditions mimic oral thrush, such as oral hairy leukoplakia and lichen planus. See your doctor for a proper diagnosis before self-treating.

Since most home remedies have been researched on animals, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor before trying them.

Breastfed babies with oral thrush may transmit the infection to their mother’s breasts. If you’re breastfeeding and develop redness around your nipples or pain, see your doctor.

Many home remedies aren’t appropriate for infants and children. Talk with your pediatrician before using.

Home remedies for oral thrush may help relieve symptoms, but they won’t cure the yeast infection.

Home remedies are meant to support, not replace, antifungal medications that treat oral thrush. You may still need an antifungal to get rid of the Candida fungus entirely.

Once you’ve eliminated oral thrush, you can reduce your risk of getting it again by brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily. Replace your toothbrush to prevent reinfection.

To help prevent Candida yeast from taking up residence in your mouth or other areas of your body, follow these tips:

• Rinse your mouth after meals and each time you use a corticosteroid inhaler.
• Keep your dentures clean, and remove them every night.
• Treat dry mouth.
• If you have diabetes, work with your doctor to manage your blood sugar.
• If you’re pregnant, treat vaginal yeast infections promptly.
• If you smoke, consider quitting. Visit Smokefree.gov to create a quit plan that will work for you.

symptoms of oral candidiasis, treatment of stomatitis in adults with drugs and a dentist

Candidiasis or thrush is a common infectious disease caused by yeast-like fungi. Often develops in the oral mucosa. It doesn’t matter how old you are. The problem occurs at any age. Pathology is caused by a fungus of the genus Candida. Plaques appear on the mucous membrane. The formations have a curdled mass. Patients experience burning and other discomfort. Chewing food causes discomfort. Feeling sore when talking. Unpleasant smell, dryness and pain require immediate medical attention.

Thrush is also common in children. They develop candidal glossitis. The disease manifests itself in children. Pathology affects people who wear dentures. The reason is not that important. The disease must be eliminated. Requires surgical treatment. Don’t put off visiting the clinic. An accurate diagnosis is required.

Causes

An unpleasant pathology is a dangerous infection. It occurs in people of all ages. It can overtake a child, a teenager, an adult. The disease often occurs with a weakened immune system. Love proper nutrition and do not deny yourself vitamins? What a score! Your body is able to prevent the occurrence of thrush.

The disease occurs as a result of the development of fungi. The occurrence of pathology is influenced by various factors. Yeast fungi are found in the body of every person. Under the influence of reasons, their uncontrolled reproduction begins. Don’t want to suffer from a complex illness? Eliminate the factors that cause pathology.

Thrush is caused by:

• Hormonal changes. With hormonal changes, it is difficult for the body to respond to the development of bacteria. For example, during pregnancy. Women often develop vaginal thrush.
• Medicinal preparations. The mouth contains different types of microorganisms. They hold back each other’s growth. Antibiotics kill some bacteria. The composition of the microflora is disturbed.
• Weak immunity. It is difficult for a weakened body to fight dangerous bacteria. The number of fungi is increasing. The thrush appears.
• Improper hygiene. The accumulation of germs often leads to problems. The thrush appears.
• High carbohydrate foods. Glucose, sucrose and galactose enhance the growth of Candida. Monitor the quality of food. Excessive sugar increases the likelihood of thrush.
• Diet. Malnutrition provokes the development of many diseases. With diets, there is a lack of iron and other vitamins. The possibility of the appearance of the disease increases.
• Mucosal injury. Injuries reduce barrier properties. It is easier for fungi to penetrate deep into.
• Smoking. The microflora is deteriorating. Diseases develop.
• Contraceptives. Such drugs contain progestin, estrogen. Elements increase the concentration of glucose in the blood. The growth of Candida fungi is accelerated.
• Removable dentures. Bacteria can accumulate on the denture. It is important to disinfect frequently.

Candidiasis is contagious. Bacteria are easily transmitted through kisses, shared towels, dishes.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of thrush:

• white, red spots and plaques;
• dry;
• burning sensation.

Candidiasis can be confused with many diseases. Avoid self-medication. At the first sign, consult a doctor. The dentist-therapist will conduct an examination. Schedules tests. Eliminate pathology.

Species

Symptoms and course depend on the form of the disease. There are several different types of candidiasis.

Acute pseudomembranous

This form of pathology has no pronounced symptoms. Acute candidiasis can cause mild discomfort. White plaques and plaque rise above the mucosa. The person is uncomfortable. At the initial stage, single plaques are removed with scraping. After you can see the mucous membrane of a bright red color. Fungal disease is not always mild.

Severe course causes more discomfort in the oral cavity. The sizes of plaques increase. They begin to merge with each other. Gradually, the entire mucosal cavity is affected. The plaques thicken. Removing them is more difficult. This type of pathology is often found in infants. May appear in adults after taking antibiotics or other strong drugs. It often worries patients who have a violation of the immune status. For example, as a result of HIV or leukemia.

Acute and chronic atrophic

Acute atrophic candidiasis causes extreme discomfort. The mucous membranes seem to have been burned by the hot liquid. Plaques and white plaque are absent. The mucosa acquires a pronounced red color. On the tongue there are traces of dental units. The patient may experience an acidic, metallic, bitter, or salty taste in the mouth. Feeling dry more often. Pathology occurs after taking antibiotics and other drugs.

Chronic candidiasis causes no less discomfort. There are redness in the mucosal area. Also worried about the burning sensation. On the back of the mucous membrane of the tongue, papillae may atrophy. Taste sensations change. Pathology occurs in patients who wear removable dentures. Therefore, the disease is often called prosthetic stomatitis.

Chronic hyperplastic

Mainly occurs in adult patients. This is the rarest type of candidiasis. Often develops on the buccal mucosa. May appear around the corners of the mouth. Skin lesions cause discomfort. Also appears on the soft palate and back of the tongue. White plaques gradually grow. In the absence of treatment, they merge. Gradually acquire a yellowish tint. In a pronounced degree, the plaques become more nodular and coarse.

This candidiasis is not easy to remove. Scraping plaques will not work. You can notice a change in the composition of saliva. It becomes more viscous, foamy. Often the pathology occurs in smoking men. Clinical studies have helped to discover that this type of candidiasis can transform into oncology. Therefore, pathology can be regarded as a precancerous disease.

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Treatment

Candidiasis requires immediate treatment. An accurate diagnosis should be made. A biopsy may be performed. Histological examination is often prescribed. A swab may be taken from the affected area. This is required for microscopic examination. If a pathology is suspected, the doctor prescribes laboratory tests. It is recommended to take blood tests for glucose or HIV. Rent bacteriological culture. The study will help identify a fungal disease. Sowing will determine the type of fungus that caused the appearance of thrush. Accurate diagnosis will allow you to prescribe effective drugs.

Consultation with more specialized specialists is recommended. An endocrinologist will help make sure that there are no endocrine diseases. The allergist will check the sensitivity to prosthetic devices. The therapist will determine the nature of the pathology.

Treatment includes the following steps:

• Sanitation. All dental pathologies are treated. The dentist eliminates carious lesions, installs fillings. Tooth deposits are removed. Teeth are cleaned of plaque.
• Elimination of pathologies. Exacerbations of diseases are stopped. The hormonal background is being adjusted. Increases immunity. Dentures that cause allergic reactions are replaced.
• Prescribing drugs. The doctor prescribes medicines. Antifungal medications are prescribed. Antihistamines, immunomodulators, restorative drugs may be prescribed.

The treatment is carried out in a complex manner. Includes measures to strengthen the immune system. The doctor teaches proper oral hygiene. A change in diet is recommended. Bad habits should be eliminated. Smoking will quickly lead to recurrence. The doctor gives recommendations that will help prevent relapses.

Preparations

Candidiasis cannot be cured without effective medications. Manufacturers produce different products. They can eliminate the pathology quickly enough. Comprehensively affect the problem. Only a doctor can prescribe the most effective remedies. The doctor examines the signs. Performs diagnostics. Then he prescribes drugs.

Doctors prescribe:

• Suspensions (Amphotericin B, Diflucan). Effective in severe forms of thrush. High-quality suspensions gently affect the manifestations and cause of the disease.
• Tablets (Itriconazole, Nystatin or others). The dosage is determined according to age. Most drugs are sold by prescription only.
• Gels (Miconazole). They are used as applications on the mucous membrane.
• Antiseptics (Miramistin, Chlorhexidine). Complementary Therapy. Used for rinsing.

Medicines and aids prescribed by a doctor. It is not worth making a decision about taking medications on your own. You can make health problems worse. It is necessary to take drugs in accordance with the prescribed treatment plan. The infection will pass.

Prevention

After treatment, prevention is important. With a mild form of thrush, relapses do not occur. The average degree of the course of the disease can be repeated. A severe form can turn into a chronic condition. Complications are possible. Relapses occur for a number of reasons. For example, do not follow the doctor’s prescriptions. Immunodeficiency and diabetes mellitus lead to repeated pathologies. Illiterate treatment leads to the development of the disease. Don’t want complications? Contact experienced doctors. Don’t forget about prevention.

Brush your teeth properly. You can not damage the mucous membrane. After eating, it is recommended to rinse the mouth. For this, special tools are used. A dentist can help in choosing the composition. Do not use one toothbrush for a long time. It needs to be changed every 2-3 months. The brush must be washed thoroughly after each use.

Wear removable dentures? Wash them after eating. Store your dentures in a case. Don’t throw them anywhere. Microbes can get on dentures.

Bad habits cause many diseases. Smoking, alcoholic beverages adversely affect the microflora. Harmful bacteria spread faster. Increase your vitamins. Strong immunity is less likely to be influenced by harmful factors. The body will fight dangerous bacteria.

When treating pathologies with antibiotics, probiotics should be taken. Antifungal drugs are also recommended. Antibiotics kill beneficial bacteria. They need to be replenished. Take vitamin complexes. Visit the dentist’s office at least once every 6 months. The doctor will conduct an examination. The doctor will clean up. Pathologies should be treated.

Treating candidiasis is a complex process. Often a local approach is not enough. After a thorough examination, effective methods are selected. The PROPRIKUS clinic employs doctors you can trust. New methods quickly reveal the disease. Doctors will help to cope with the problem. You will forget about pathology. Bring back your normal quality of life. Stop feeling uncomfortable.

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Thrush in the mouth in adults: symptoms, treatment – ROOTT

Causes Types Danger Treatment Remedial measures Drugs against thrush

Oral candidiasis (thrush) is an infectious disease of the mucous membranes. It is caused by a fungus of the genus Candida.

Mucous membranes are covered with whitish plaques resembling curd mass. Patients have unpleasant sensations in the mouth, a burning sensation. Eating, sometimes even speaking, becomes painful. Patients complain of dry mouth and bad breath.

Thrush is very common in infants but is easily tolerated and heals quickly. It often occurs in people with dentures, those taking corticosteroids, or undergoing chemotherapy.

Causes of disease

Yeast fungi are present in the body of any person. Under the influence of certain factors, they begin to multiply uncontrollably.

Thrush in the mouth is caused by:

• Hormonal changes, e.g. during pregnancy
• Taking certain medications
• Weakening of immunity due to illness
• Inadequate oral hygiene
• Mucosal injuries
• High carbohydrate diet
• Taking contraceptives
• Smoking
• Candidiasis is contagious, it can be transmitted through shared utensils, kissing.

Classification

Symptoms of thrush manifest themselves in different ways, depending on the form of the disease. In dentistry, the following forms of candidiasis are distinguished:

1. Acute pseudomembranous
   – Mild form: the only symptom is the presence of plaque. If you scrape it off, a swollen, reddened mucous membrane is visible.
   – Moderate: plaque is difficult to remove, there are unpleasant sensations while eating. The submandibular lymph nodes are enlarged.
   – Severe form: extensive, off-white plaque. Signs of tissue infiltration. Plaques are removed with difficulty, bleeding mucous membrane is visible under them.
2. Acute atrophic
   Mucosa red, painful to touch, smooth. The plaque is dense, covers the cheeks from the inside, tongue, palate. The mouth is dry. There are teeth marks on the tongue. There may be a bitter, sour, metallic taste in the mouth. The acute course can become chronic, usually in patients with removable dentures. Therefore, its second name is prosthetic stomatitis. Under the prosthesis, the mucous membrane is dry, red. There is almost no plaque, but the pain syndrome is pronounced. On the back of the tongue papillae atrophy. This leads to a change in taste sensations.
   Sometimes atrophic candidiasis is called erythematous (“erythema” – redness).
3. Chronic hyperplastic
   It occurs only in adults, mainly in smokers. The coating is dirty gray, located in the corners of the lips, on the tongue. It scrapes off badly, has an unpleasant smell. The plaques merge, covering the mucosa almost completely. Saliva changes: it becomes viscous and foams. The most common such thrush in men.

Why is thrush dangerous? But candida is a yeast-like fungus, and, therefore, is capable of rapid reproduction, like any yeast. From the mucous membranes of the mouth, thrush can spread to the throat. This causes changes in the voice, makes it hoarse. Spreading to the esophagus, it provokes inflammation of the esophageal mucosa (esophagitis), making it painful for food to pass through it.

Untreated hyperplastic candidiasis develops into malignant neoplasms.

Most importantly, the reproduction of the fungus indicates a malfunction in the body’s defenses.

Only a doctor is able to prescribe the necessary examination and, based on its results, prescribe the appropriate treatment for a fungal infection.

How to treat thrush

Successful treatment requires an accurate diagnosis. For this, a number of laboratory tests are prescribed. Bacteriological culture is mandatory. He will not only confirm the thrush, but also determine which type of fungus caused it. This is important when prescribing drugs. After a clinical examination, the dentist may recommend blood glucose or HIV testing.

Recommended consultations with narrow specialists:

• Endocrinologist
  To make sure there are no endocrine disorders.
• Allergist
  To detect sensitivity to dentures.
• Therapist
  To clarify the nature of somatic diseases.

Treatment of thrush in adults and children should be comprehensive and include activities aimed at strengthening general immunity, teaching adequate oral hygiene, and changing the diet.

Algorithm of therapeutic measures

• For the best result, the intervention begins with the sanitation of the oral cavity. Carious teeth are treated by replacing the affected tissues with filling material. Remove hard plaque and tartar from enamel. Plaque is a hotbed of infection, it is necessary to get rid of it.
• Eliminate factors that provoke candidiasis. Replace dentures if they cause an allergic reaction or do not fit well. Stop the exacerbation of common diseases. Take steps to improve your hormone levels. Conduct activities that increase immunity.
• Administer antifungals based on culture results. Prescribed antihistamines, restorative agents, immunomodulators.
• Give recommendations on the normalization of the microflora in the oral cavity.