Oral Thrush

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush refers to a non-contagious fungal infection of the mouth. It can be treated successfully with antifungal medication. An oral thrust can also be referred to as oral candidosis or candidiasis. A group of yeasts called Candida causes this condition.

Below is all the information you need about oral thrush, read further to find out more.

Symptoms Of Oral Thrush

The symptoms of oral thrush include:

  • Unpleasant or a loss of taste in the mouth
  • White patches or plaques in the mouth which wipes off after a while leaving behind red areas that may bleed slightly
  • cracks at the corners of the mouth
  • Redness inside the mouth and throat
  • A painful, burning sensation in the mouth

Some symptoms of oral thrust can make eating and drinking difficult. You should see a dentist for diagnosis and treatment if you find drinking or eating difficult. You can also visit The Harley Street Dentist or call us on 02071830903 to book an appointment.

Causes Of Oral Thrush

Candida which is a group of fungus can be naturally found in the mouth and digestive system of most people. When these fungi multiply, they can cause oral thrush — this may happen for the following reasons:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Smoking
  • Taking a course of antibiotics, at a high dose or over a long period
  • Wearing dentures especially the ones that do not fit appropriately on the gum
  • Having a dry mouth which may result from a medical condition or medications
  • Taking inhaled corticosteroid medication for asthma
  • Having chemotherapy or radiotherapy to treat cancer

The risk of developing oral thrust is high in all age groups. However, people with certain underlying conditions such as diabetes, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), HIV and some other nutrient deficiencies, including iron or vitamin B12 deficiency have a higher risk of having oral thrush.

Oral thrush is not contagious; the fact that most people already have Candida fungi living in their mouth does not mean you should be scared of contracting it.

When To Seek Medical Advice

The symptoms of oral thrush will persist if it is not treated, which will continue to make your mouth feel uncomfortable. You can speak to your doctor anytime you feel any symptom of oral thrush. Severe cases of oral thrust pose a risk of the infection spreading more into your body if they are not treated. Your doctor will need to examine your mouth to diagnose mouth thrush accurately. A blood test may be recommended to diagnose some critical conditions such as diabetes and nutritional deficiencies associated with oral thrush.

Treating Oral Thrush

You can successfully treat oral thrush with antifungal medicines — antifungal medicines come in the form of gels or liquid that is applied directly inside your mouth (topical medication), it can also come in the form of tablets or capsules as well.

Topical medication needs to be taken several times to be effective while a tablet or capsule only need to be taken once — topical medications should be taken for about 14 days.

Some medication does not have any side effect. However, some may cause effects such as vomiting, abdominal pain diarrhoea, bloating and nausea. You may need to change or reduced the dosage if antibiotics or corticosteroids cause oral thrush.

How To Prevent Oral Thrush

Oral thrush can be prevented in so many ways which include the following:

  • Regular brushing of your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride and interdental cleaning
  • Rinsing your mouth after meals
  • Daily removal of your dentures every night after which they should be cleaned with paste, soap and water before soaking them in a solution of water and denture-cleaning tablets.
  • Controlling any underlying conditions you may have
  • Brushing of your gums, tongue and inside your mouth at least twice a day if you use dentures.
  • Visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups if you have no natural teeth or if you wear dentures
  • Quit smoking
  • Rinsing your mouth with water and spitting it out after using a corticosteroid inhaler, and using a spacer when you take your medicine
  • Visit your dentist to get your dentures properly fitted

Your doctor may recommend you take some antifungal medications if you have a condition or if you are receiving treatment that could put you at a high risk of developing oral thrush. For treatment and diagnosis of oral thrush, please visit The Harley Street Dentist in Harley Street, London or call us on 020 71830903 to book an appointment today.

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