Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection in the mouth caused by an overgrowth of the Candida species, typically Candida albicans. This condition leads to creamy white or yellowish patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, tonsils, or throat, which may cause discomfort or pain.
Symptoms:
Common signs of oral thrush include:
- White Patches: Creamy white or yellowish patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, tonsils, or throat.
- Redness and Soreness: Affected areas may appear red and feel sore, leading to discomfort while eating or swallowing.
- Cracking at Mouth Corners: Also known as angular cheilitis, this presents as cracks or redness at the corners of the mouth.
- Loss of Taste: A diminished sense of taste or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Causes and Risk Factors:
While Candida fungi naturally reside in the mouth without causing harm, certain factors can disrupt the balance, leading to an overgrowth of the fungus:
- Weakened Immune System: People with a poor immune system, such as those having chemotherapy or with conditions like HIV/AIDS, are more at risk.
- Medications: Taking antibiotics or corticosteroids can disturb the natural microbial balance of the body, promoting fungal growth.
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes, iron or vitamin B12 deficiency, underactive thyroid, and dry mouth conditions can increase the risk.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking and wearing ill-fitting dentures, especially without proper oral hygiene, can contribute to the development of oral thrush.
A healthcare professional can typically diagnose oral thrush through a visual examination of the mouth. In some cases, they may scrape a small sample from the affected area to examine under a microscope, confirming the presence of Candida.
NHS Information on Oral Thrush
The NHS Information on Oral Thrush has some useful photos of Oral Thrush symptoms.
Help at the Pharmacy and from the Doctor
Treatment focuses on eliminating the fungal overgrowth and on tackling the causes:
- Antifungal Medications:
- Miconazole: Miconazole Oral Gel from the pharmacy is often the first-line treatment, the oral gel is applied directly to the affected areas. Remove dentures before applying the Miconazole Gel treatment so that any fungal growth under the dental plate does not escape treatment. Miconazole Gel is suitable for adults, children, and babies over four months old.
- Nystatin: Prescribed by doctors when miconazole isn’t suitable. Nystatin is an antifungal liquid that’s swished around in the mouth before swallowing.
- Fluconazole: For severe or unresponsive cases, fluconazole, an oral antifungal medication, may be prescribed by a doctor. It’s absorbed into the blood-stream and so can have broader effects, so it’s often used when topical treatments aren’t effective.
- Addressing Underlying Causes: Managing conditions like diabetes or adjusting medications that contribute to fungal overgrowth is crucial.
Prevention:
To reduce the risk of developing oral thrush:
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush teeth twice daily, floss regularly, and use antiseptic mouthwashes if recommended.
- Clean Dentures and Cosmetic Teeth (bridges): Regularly clean dentures and ensure they fit properly. Remove dentures at bedtime to reduce the risk of fungal growth.
- Limit Sugar Intake: Reducing sugar and yeast-containing foods can help prevent fungal growth.
- Manage Health Conditions: Keep chronic conditions like diabetes under control and discuss medication side effects with healthcare providers.
When to Seek Medical Advice:
Consult a healthcare professional if you or your child exhibit symptoms of oral thrush, especially if:
- Symptoms Persist: Despite over-the-counter treatments, symptoms continue beyond a week.
- Recurring Infections: Frequent episodes of oral thrush may indicate underlying health issues. People with dentures are more prone to oral thrush if their oral hygiene routine is poor.
- Systemic Symptoms: Experiencing fever, chills, or difficulty swallowing alongside oral thrush symptoms warrants immediate medical attention.
Summary
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can effectively manage oral thrush, preventing complications and promoting oral health.