What is oral thrush and what are its causes?

An oral thrush infection is caused by a fungus. Typically, it is treated with antifungal medications and is not contagious. The condition is also known as candidosis as it is caused by a group of yeasts known as Candida. Although it is common to have a small amount of fungus in your mouth. In some cases, the fungus may multiply rapidly and cause a yeast infection.

The oral condition occurs if this kind of yeast infection develops inside your mouth. It may also be referred to as candidiasis, oropharyngeal candidiasis, or simply thrush. Infants and toddlers are most often affected by oral thrush. In this condition, white or yellowish lesions or spots are observed on the inner cheeks, tongue, gums, lips, and roof of the mouth. In most cases, these spots disappear with treatment.

Typically, the infection is mild and does not cause any serious complications. The condition is easily treatable. However, patients with weakened immune systems may be prone to serious complications if the virus spreads to other parts of the body.

Causes Of Oral Thrush

Yeast infections, such as oral thrush, often happen because of an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans. There is no harm in having a small amount of Candida albicans living in your mouth. As long as your immune system is functioning properly, the beneficial bacteria in your body will help keep Candida albicans under control.

Nevertheless, the fungus can grow unchecked if your immune system is compromised or your microbiome is disturbed. It is possible to develop oral thrush as a result of an overgrowth of Calbicans in your mouth if you take certain medications that reduce your body’s friendly microbes, such as antibiotics.

As a result of cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, healthy cells can also be damaged or destroyed. As a result, you are most likely to contract oral thrush and other infections. It is also more likely to develop this condition if you have an immune system that is weakened, such as leukemia and HIV. The infection of oral thrush is a common opportunistic infection among HIV-positive individuals.

It is also possible for diabetes to contribute to oral thrush. High blood sugar levels are caused by uncontrolled diabetes, which weakens your immune system. As a result, favorable conditions are created for Candida albicans to grow.

Treating Oral Thrush

It is usually possible to treat thrush successfully with antifungal medicines. Usually, topical medications are available in gels or liquids, which are applied directly to the mouth (topical medications), although tablets and capsules are sometimes used as well.

In most cases, topical medications will need to be applied several times per day for approximately seven to fourteen days. It is usually recommended to take tablets or capsules once a day.

Some of these medications cause nausea and vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, although they seldom have side effects.

Moreover, it may be necessary to change the way antibiotics or corticosteroids are delivered or reduce the dosage if you are being treated with antibiotics or corticosteroids for oral thrush.

Home Remedies For Oral Thrush

Along with medical treatment, the following can assist in preventing the condition from worsening:

• Rinse your mouth with salt water.
• Avoid scraping the lesions by using a soft toothbrush.
• Replace your toothbrush every day until the infection has been eradicated.
• Restore healthy bacteria levels by eating unsweetened yogurt.
• Avoid using mouthwashes or sprays.

Does Oral Thrush Cause Pain?

Oral thrush may cause pain for some individuals. In some cases, the spots may become raised, causing discomfort and a burning sensation. In other instances, individuals may not develop spots but experience general soreness in the mouth. However, it is possible for a person to bleed and experience some mild pain if they scrape their spots.

For more detailed information about oral thrush, get in touch with your trusted dentist.