Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

Thrush is a kind of yeast infection that’s common in the mouths of babies and toddlers. It’s rarely serious but can be passed between babies and breastfeeding mothers.

It’s normal for a small amount of fungus to live in your mouth. But in some cases, the fungus may rapidly multiply and lead to a yeast infection.

Oral thrush happens when this type of yeast infection develops inside your mouth. It’s also known as oral candidiasis, oropharyngeal candidiasis, or simply thrush.

Oral thrush most often occurs in infants and toddlers. It causes white or yellowish lesions or spots to form on the inner cheeks, tongue, gums, lips, and roof of the mouth. Those spots usually go away with treatment.

The infection is typically mild and rarely causes serious problems. It’s often easily treated. But in people with weakened immune systems, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause potentially serious complications.

In its early stages, oral thrush may not cause any symptoms. But as the infection gets worse, one or more of the following symptoms may develop:

• white or yellow spots on your inner cheeks, tongue, tonsils, gums, or lips
• slight bleeding if the spots are scraped
• soreness or burning in your mouth
• a cotton-like sensation in your mouth
• dry, cracked skin at the corners of your mouth
• difficulty swallowing
• a bad taste in your mouth
• a loss of taste
• redness, irritation, and pain under dentures (denture stomatitis)

In some cases, oral thrush can affect your esophagus, though this is uncommon. The same fungus that causes oral thrush can also cause yeast infections in other parts of your body. Learn more about the symptoms of oral thrush and other types of yeast infections.

Oral thrush and other yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans (C. albicans).

It’s normal for a small amount of C. albicans to live in your mouth, without causing harm. When your immune system is working properly, beneficial bacteria in your body help keep C. albicans under control.

But if your immune system is compromised or the balance of microorganisms in your body is disrupted, the fungus can grow out of control.

You may develop an overgrowth of C. albicans that causes oral thrush if you take certain medications that reduce the number of friendly microorganisms in your body, such as antibiotics.

Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can also damage or kill healthy cells. This makes you more susceptible to oral thrush and other infections.

Conditions that weaken your immune system, such as leukemia and HIV, also increase the risk of developing oral thrush. Oral thrush is a common opportunistic infection in people with HIV.

Diabetes can contribute to oral thrush as well. Uncontrolled diabetes weakens your immune system and causes high blood sugar levels. This creates favorable conditions for C. albicans to grow.

If you have oral thrush, it’s possible to pass the fungus that causes this condition on to someone else if you kiss them. In some cases, that person might develop oral thrush.

The fungus that causes oral thrush also causes yeast infections in other body parts. It’s possible for you to pass the fungus from one part of your body to another part of someone else’s body.

If you have oral thrush, a vaginal yeast infection, or a penile yeast infection, you can potentially pass the fungus to your partner through vaginal sex, anal sex, or oral sex.

If you’re pregnant and you have a vaginal yeast infection, you can potentially pass the fungus to your baby during delivery.

If you have a breast yeast infection or nipple yeast infection, you can pass the fungus to your baby while breastfeeding. Your baby can also transmit the fungus to you if they breastfeed when they have oral thrush.

When C. albicans is passed from one person to another, it doesn’t always cause oral thrush or other types of yeast infection.

Also, because C. albicans is so common in our environment, developing a yeast infection does not mean you necessarily caught it from someone else. Learn about some of the factors that can raise your risk of developing an infection when someone passes this fungus to you.

Your doctor may be able to diagnose oral thrush simply by examining your mouth for the characteristic lesions that it causes.

In some cases, your doctor may take a biopsy of the affected area to confirm the diagnosis. To perform a biopsy, they will scrape off a small portion of the lesion from your mouth. The sample will then be sent to a laboratory to be tested for C. albicans.

If your doctor suspects that you have oral thrush in your esophagus, they may use a throat swab culture or endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis.

To perform a throat swab culture, your doctor uses a cotton swab to take a tissue sample from the back of your throat. They then send this sample to a laboratory for testing.

To perform endoscopy, your doctor uses a thin tube with a light and camera attached to it. They insert this “endoscope” through your mouth and into your esophagus to examine it. They may also remove a sample of tissue for analysis.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.

To treat oral thrush, your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following medications:

• fluconazole (Diflucan), an oral antifungal medication
• clotrimazole (Mycelex Troche), an antifungal medication that’s available as a lozenge
• nystatin (Nystop, Nyata), an antifungal mouthwash that you can swish in your mouth or swab in your baby’s mouth
• itraconazole (Sporanox), an oral antifungal medication that’s used to treat people who don’t respond to other treatments for oral thrush and people with HIV
• amphotericin B (AmBisome, Fungizone), a medication that’s used to treat severe cases of oral thrush

Once you begin treatment, oral thrush usually goes away within a couple of weeks. But in some cases, it can return.

For adults who have recurring cases of oral thrush with no known cause, their healthcare provider will evaluate them for underlying medical conditions that might be contributing to thrush.

Infants may have several episodes of oral thrush in their first year of life.

Your doctor might also recommend home remedies or lifestyle changes to help treat oral thrush or stop it from coming back.

When you’re recovering, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene. Here are a few tips:

• Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush to avoid scraping the spots caused by thrush.
• Replace your toothbrush after you finish your treatment for oral thrush, and properly clean your dentures if you wear them, in order to lower your risk of reinfection.
• Avoid mouthwashes or mouth sprays, unless your doctor has prescribed them.

Some home remedies may also help relieve symptoms of thrush in adults.

For example, it might help to rinse your mouth with one of the following:

• saltwater
• a solution of water and baking soda
• a mixture of water and lemon juice
• a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar

It might also help to eat yogurt that contains beneficial bacteria or take a probiotic supplement. Talk to a doctor before giving an infant any supplements. Learn more about these home remedies and others.

The same fungus that causes oral thrush can also cause yeast infections on your breasts and nipples.

This fungus can be passed back and forth between mothers and babies during breastfeeding.

If your baby has oral thrush, they can potentially pass the fungus to your breasts or other areas of skin. If you have a breast yeast infection or nipple yeast infection, you can potentially pass the fungus to your baby’s mouth or skin.

Also, because yeast can live on the skin without causing an infection, your baby can develop oral thrush without you having any symptoms of a breast or nipple yeast infection.

If you develop a yeast infection on your breasts or nipples, you may experience:

• pain in your breasts, during and after breastfeeding
• itchiness or a burning sensation in or around your nipples
• white or pale spots on or around your nipples
• shiny skin on or around your nipples
• flaking skin on or around your nipples

If your baby develops oral thrush or you develop a breast or nipple yeast infection, it’s important to get treatment for both you and your baby. This can help prevent a cycle of transmission.

Your healthcare provider may advise you to do the following:

• Treat your baby with an antifungal medication and apply an antifungal cream, such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or clotrimazole (Lotrimin), to your breasts. Wipe the cream off your breasts before breastfeeding your baby to stop the cream from getting in their mouth.
• Sterilize your baby’s pacifiers, teething rings, bottle nipples, and any other items they put in their mouth. If you use a breast pump, sterilize all of its pieces as well.
• Keep your nipples clean and dry between feedings. If you use nursing pads, avoid those that have a plastic liner, which may trap moisture and create favorable conditions for fungus to grow.

Your doctor might also advise you to make lifestyle changes to help treat or prevent oral thrush and other types of yeast infection. Get more tips for managing the risk of yeast infection while breastfeeding.

Oral thrush most often affects infants and toddlers. Babies can potentially develop oral thrush after contracting the fungus from their mothers during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding or just from yeast that is naturally present in their environment.

If your baby has oral thrush, they may develop the same signs and symptoms that can affect other people with the condition, including:

• white or yellow spots or patches on their inner cheeks, tongue, tonsils, gums, or lips
• slight bleeding if the spots are scraped
• soreness or burning in their mouth
• dry, cracked skin at the corners of their mouth

Oral thrush in babies may also cause difficulty feeding and irritability or fussiness.

If you suspect that your baby might have oral thrush, make an appointment with their doctor. If your baby develops oral thrush while you’re breastfeeding them, both of you will need antifungal treatments. Find out why this is important for keeping you and your baby healthy.

Oral thrush is most common in babies and older adults, who tend to have weaker immune systems. But it can occur at any age.

Younger adults can develop oral thrush, especially if they have an impaired immune system. For example, adults are more likely to develop thrush if they have a history of certain medical conditions, medical treatments, or lifestyle habits that weaken their immune system.

In otherwise healthy adults, oral thrush is unlikely to cause serious problems. But if your immune system isn’t working well, the infection may spread to other parts of your body.

Babies, toddlers, and older adults are more likely than others to develop oral thrush. Certain medical conditions, medical treatments, and lifestyle factors can also increase your risk of thrush by weakening your immune system or disrupting the balance of microbes in your body.

For example, you may be at heightened risk of thrush if you:

• have a condition that causes dry mouth
• have diabetes, anemia, leukemia, or HIV
• take antibiotics, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressant drugs
• receive treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• smoke cigarettes
• wear dentures

In people with healthy immune systems, oral thrush rarely causes complications. In severe cases, it may spread to your esophagus.

If your immune system is weakened, you’re more likely to develop complications from thrush. Without proper treatment, the fungus that causes thrush may enter your bloodstream and spread to your heart, brain, eyes, or other body parts. This is known as invasive or systemic candidiasis.

Systemic candidiasis can cause problems in the organs it affects. It can also cause a potentially life-threatening condition known as septic shock.

To reduce your risk of oral thrush, try the following:

• Avoid sharing cups and utensils with others.
• Eat a nutritious diet and practice an overall healthy lifestyle to support the functioning of your immune system.
• Practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing every day, and visiting your dentist on a regular basis.
• If your mouth is chronically dry, make an appointment with your doctor and follow their recommended treatment plan.
• If you have dentures, remove them before you go to bed, clean them daily, and make sure they fit properly.
• If you have a corticosteroid inhaler, rinse out your mouth or brush your teeth after using it.
• If you have diabetes, take steps to manage your blood sugar levels.

If you develop a yeast infection in another part of your body other than your mouth, get treatment. In some cases, an infection can spread from one part of your body to another.

More research is needed to understand how diet may affect oral thrush.

Some studies suggest that eating certain probiotic foods or taking probiotic supplements might help limit the growth of C. albicans. However, more research is needed to learn about the role that probiotics might play in treating or preventing oral thrush.

Some people believe that limiting or avoiding certain foods may also help curb the growth of C. albicans. For example, some people have suggested that limiting refined carbohydrates and sugars can help treat or prevent oral thrush and other yeast infections.

The “candida diet” has been developed based on these beliefs. However, this diet lacks scientific support. Get more information about what this diet entails and the limits of the scientific evidence supporting it.

Is Thrush Contagious? Prevention, Complications and More

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Overview

Oral thrush (or simply “thrush”) is a yeast infection caused by Candida. While uncomfortable, a thrush infection isn’t necessarily contagious. The yeast can spread from person to person, but someone who comes into contact with thrush won’t automatically develop the infection. Keep reading to learn more about oral thrush and what you can do to prevent an oral thrush infection.

A fungus called Candida is responsible for causing thrush. Candida also causes other kinds of yeast infections, such as those that occur vaginally. The fungus itself is common. In fact, you already have small amounts of it throughout your body. Such small amounts don’t cause any issues.

The fungus can turn into thrush when natural bacteria in the mouth are out of balance, however. This makes your mouth a breeding area for Candida to spread and cause infection.

Among the causes of thrush are:

• antibiotic use
• chemotherapy
• dentures
• diabetes
• dry mouth
• HIV
• immune system deficiencies
• inhaled corticosteroid use
• smoking
• use of steroid medications

Thrush is also common in newborns. Infants can develop the infection from exposure to yeast in the mother’s birth canal.

Thrush is most common in infants younger than 6 months, as well as older adults. However, the infection can occur in people of all ages. It’s not age itself that leads to thrush, but rather the conditions and situations that are common at certain ages.

Breastfeeding can also cause oral thrush in babies. Candida can occur anywhere on the body, including your breasts and nipples. You can’t tell the fungus is there unless there’s an infection on your skin. An infection can cause more soreness and redness than usual.

If Candida is present on your nipples during breastfeeding, the fungus then transmits to your baby. They may not necessarily get an infection from this. However, having extra yeast in their mouths increases their risk of developing thrush as a result.

On the flipside, you can get some of the fungus from your baby’s mouth on your breasts and nipples when you breastfeed. This doesn’t mean you’ll automatically develop an infection, either, though.

Symptoms of thrush include:

• white patches inside your mouth, primarily on the tongue and cheeks
• redness in and around the mouth
• pain inside your mouth
• sore throat
• cotton-like feelings inside your mouth
• burning sensations in the mouth
• difficulty swallowing
• metallic taste on your tongue
• new sores that look like cottage cheese
• decreased sense of taste, especially when eating and drinking
• cracking in the corners of your mouth

Babies with thrush will also have irritation inside and around their mouths. They may also express irritability and loss of appetite. Babies who have thrush might also have a diaper rash from Candida. Learn how to tell the difference between diaper rash and yeast infection.

Thrush must be diagnosed by your doctor. They will first take a look at the physical signs inside your mouth and ask you about any other symptoms you’ve been having.

Your doctor may also take a sample from inside your mouth with a cotton swab for lab testing. This can confirm a Candida infection. The process isn’t fool-proof though, since you likely have small amounts of the yeast in your mouth with or without an infection. Your doctor will weigh the results with your signs and symptoms to make a diagnosis.

It’s important to see a doctor so they can also rule out other causes of white patches on the tongue, such as leukoplakia and scarlet fever.

In many cases, thrush goes away on its own without treatment. A persistent yeast infection may require antifungal medications. These can be taken orally or applied as ointments directly to your mouth. Antifungal rinses are another option for treating thrush.

Babies with thrush will need antifungal ointments or drops. These are applied with a sponge applicator or dropper inside the mouth and on the tongue.

More aggressive treatment measures may be required if you have immune system deficiencies. Intense treatment helps prevent thrush from infecting other areas of the body, such as the lungs, intestines, and liver.

The signs of thrush will start to diminish with time. Most people recover from thrush within 1 to 2 weeks.

Shop for thrush treatment options online at Amazon.

Without treatment, thrush can eventually affect the esophagus. Severe infections can spread and worsen. That’s why it’s important to call your doctor if you don’t see any improvement in your symptoms within a week. People with compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to severe infections from thrush.

Thrush may possibly be prevented with probiotics. You may also find some of the same benefits by eating yogurt with lactobacilli. Lactobacilli are bacteria that help get rid of yeast throughout the body. Talk with your pediatrician before giving any probiotics to your baby.

Shop for probiotic supplements online at Amazon.

Oral hygiene is also important in preventing thrush. This not only includes brushing and flossing your teeth, but also using a mouthwash to get rid of excessive microorganisms. Rinse your mouth after taking medications, too. Mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine are especially helpful if you have a weakened immune system.

Shop for mouthwash online at Amazon.

If you’re currently breastfeeding, you may also be able to prevent the spread of Candida from your body to your baby’s mouth. Because the yeast likes warm, moist environments, try to allow the area around your nipples to dry well after breastfeeding. See your doctor if you think you have the fungus on your breasts. It can cause excessive soreness and redness. You may also have deep pains within the breast area. If Candida is found on your breasts, you may need to apply antifungal ointment to the area until the yeast infection clears up.

Shop for antifungal ointment online at Amazon.

Thrush itself isn’t a contagious infection. You won’t necessarily “catch it” from another person. However, it’s important to take precautions if you or a loved one has thrush. Exposure to the yeast can turn into an infection, especially if your immune system isn’t working well.

Q:

Is thrush contagious through kissing?

Anonymous patient

A:

If you have an overgrowth of Candida in your mouth causing a yeast infection (thrush), that yeast can be passed from your mouth to your partner’s by kissing. However, yeast is everywhere and we all likely have small amounts in our mouths already. Candida will only cause thrush if the right conditions are present. If you think you have thrush, see your doctor as soon as you can to begin treatment.

Karen Gill, MDAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

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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.