Oral Thrush
Uncommon And Uncomfortable
Yeast infections of the mouth are caused by members of the fungus family, most commonly Candida Albicans, sometimes called Moniliasis. This fungus normally inhabits the mucous membranes in places like the vagina, eyes and mouth.
Candida infections in the mouth are called "Oral Thrush" or sometimes "Trench Mouth." It isn't very common but if you get it then it's a painful and uncomfortable condition. It is also very unsightly which can cause embarrassment to the sufferer. Candida is thought to be present in the mouths of almost half of the population. Anyone who wears dentures will have candida.As long as it occurs in low numbers then there isn't a problem. It's when they start to "overgrow" that an infection arises.
The symptoms of oral thrush are easily recognized as creamy-white, curd-like patches on the tongue, inside the lips and on the inside walls of the mouth. These patches or lesions can range in size and can also spread down into the throat where they can't be unseen, but they can certainly be felt by the sufferer. Sometimes they produce a burning sensation.
Yeast infections of the mouth are often caused by extensive use of antibiotics and steroids. That's why if you use a steroid inhaler for your asthma you're advised to rinse out your mouth every time you use it. Excessive use of antibacterial mouthwash can also trigger an attack.
People with metabolic based problems such as diabetes are at greater risk of developing thrush as are denture users, as are those with poor nutrition or suffering from an impaired immune system. The latter includes people suffering from Aids but also includes diseases like lupus and fibromyalgia.
The old fashion way of dealing with oral thrush was to scrape away (debride) the white patches to stop them spreading. This left the sufferer with raw, bleeding lesions that hurt even more than the thrush. Luckily things have moved on since then.
Nystatin oral suspension is a liquid anti-fungal medication that can be swilled round the mouth 3 to 4 times a day. Other types of treatment include pastilles that are sucked or the application of an oral gel such as Daktarin Oral Gel
. Your doctor will decide what treatment is called for.If the yeast infection has spread then an oral anti-fungal pill may be needed to clear the infection.
If you're looking for a natural cure then eating unsweetened live yogurt 2 to 3 times a day can help, but only in the early stages of an infection. If it starts spreading you do need to see a doctor.