Oral Thrush Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Oral thrush or often referred to as oral candidiasis is a fungal infection of Candida albicans that develops on the inside of the mouth. Usually appears as canker sores.
Canker sores in the mouth are generally mild and rarely cause complications. However, if a person’s immune system is weak, it is not uncommon for canker sores to become problematic. Sometimes canker sores can spread to the gums and roof of the mouth.
Although oral thrush can affect anyone, it is more common in infants, toddlers, and the elderly. This is because their immune system is generally at a less-than-optimal level. In addition, those with dry mouth syndrome also have the potential for candidiasis.
Symptoms
In its early stages, oral thrush does not cause any symptoms. However, over time, the following symptoms may appear:
- Visible white bumps on the tongue, gums, or inner cheeks, sometimes even on the roof of the mouth.
- Pain or burning in the affected area.
- Bleeding may occur if scratched.
- There are cracks and redness in the corner of the mouth ( Angular cheilitis ).
- Bad taste in the mouth or loss of taste.
- Difficulty swallowing
- In severe cases, usually related to cancer or a weakened immune system, the sores can spread down the esophagus.
If it occurs in infants, besides the white sores in the mouth, the baby may have difficulty breastfeeding. Also, babies can be more fussy than usual.
Whereas in nursing mothers whose breasts are infected with candida, signs such as:
- Nipples are red, cracked, and itchy.
- The skin looks shiny and scaly around the nipple (areola).
- Pain in the nipples during breastfeeding.
Reason
Oral thrush can occur when the Candida albicans fungus begins to grow out of control and the immune system is experiencing a decline.
The immune system works to ward off bad bacteria, viruses and fungi in the body and maintains a balance between good and bad microbes. If this fails, this imbalance causes mold and bacteria to start multiplying and can lead to infection.
Yeast infection in the vagina is also caused by a fungus that causes oral thrush. Although it cannot be transmitted to other people, women who are pregnant can transmit the fungus to the baby during delivery. That’s why babies can also experience oral thrush.
The influence of hormones such as stress can also trigger this disease. Likewise with a number of other medical conditions such as HIV infection, cancer, and uncontrolled diabetes.
In addition, if you are taking certain drugs, smoke, wear dentures that don’t fit properly or the condition of your mouth is not kept clean, then this type of condition can facilitate the occurrence of oral thrush.
Diagnosis
The doctor will carry out a clinical examination by looking at the condition of your tongue and mouth before making a diagnosis of oral thrush. In some cases, the doctor will also perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
These white sores are usually scraped off, then a sample is sent to a laboratory for Candida albicans testing. If the thrush is in the esophagus, a tissue sample will be taken to confirm it from the back of the throat, an X-ray of the esophagus, and an endoscopy.
Treatment
Treatment for oral thrush can vary, depending on a person’s age and general condition. Treatment that can be given includes antifungal drugs. This drug can be in the form of a gel or liquid that is applied to the wound or in the form of tablets. Apart from that, you can also give antifungal drugs that are gargled.
Prevention
You can reduce the risk of oral thrush by doing some good habits, including:
- Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day, especially before going to bed.
- Do flossing every day.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to keep your mouth, teeth and gums clean. However, avoid overuse.
- Always clean dentures. Make sure your dentures are not loose or too tight.
- Reduce excessive sugar consumption.
- Keep blood sugar within normal limits if you have diabetes.
- Stop bad habits, such as smoking or consuming alcohol.
- Routine control to the dentist at least once every 6 months.