Oral Thrush
What is it?
Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is an infection of the mouth caused by a yeast fungal infection.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of oral thrush can make eating and drinking difficult.
White patches (plaques)
Unpleasant taste
Loss of taste
Soreness or burning in the mouth
Redness inside the mouth and throat
Cracks at the corners of the mouth
Redness, pain, and irritation under dentures
Difficulty swallowing
Causes
Oral thrush is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida Albicans, usually in small amounts in the mouth. When the immune system works correctly, good bacteria keep the fungus under control. So, if the balance is disturbed, for whatever reason, the Candida Albicans fungus can multiply and result in oral thrush.
The risk of oral thrush infection can be increased by the following
- Weakened immunity
- Diabetes
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Medications, e.g., inhaled asthma medication that contains corticosteroids, antibiotics
- Oral conditions
- Malnutrition or vitamin deficiencies
Thrush may spread to other parts of the body if the immune system is weakened.
Diagnosis
The Doctor can diagnose oral thrush through an oral assessment. An oral swab may be requested and sent to the pathology lab to assist in the diagnosis.