The oral cavity or mouth normally houses a small number of bacteria and fungi. However, when these harmful microorganisms multiply and grow rapidly, it may lead to infection. One common example is yeast infection or oral thrush, typically experienced by toddlers and babies. Thrush causes yellow and white spots or lesions around the patient’s mouth, lips, inner cheeks, gums, and tongue. Although the lesions are typically mild and do not lead to severe problems, they still cause extreme discomfort. Mild cases of oral thrush can simply be treated by oral antifungal medication and usually goes away after a couple of weeks.
Even though it is not a medical emergency, oral thrush is still a cause of worry, especially among young parents. This article will briefly discuss everything you need to know about oral thrush.
Early signs and symptoms of oral thrush
During the first few days, oral thrush may not show any obvious signs. However, as it progresses and spreads, the patient may experience soreness around the oral cavity, slight bleeding of the lesions, a burning sensation in the mouth, and loss of taste. The patient may also develop bad breath and dry, cracked skin around the mouth. In rare cases, the infection may even reach the oesophagus, so the patient may have difficulty swallowing.
Causes of oral thrush
A small amount of Candida albicans, the fungus which causes oral thrush, normally and harmlessly lives in the oral cavity. This is because the beneficial bacteria present in the body can help the immune system control the growth of harmful microorganisms. However, when the immune system is weak due to illness or over-fatigue, C. albicans can grow out of control. People who take certain medications like antibiotics or undergo treatments like chemotherapy have higher chances of having severe infections. Babies and toddlers are more likely to develop oral thrush if they have nail fungal infections since they often put their hands in their mouths. This is why patients with nail infections are advised to take oral antifungal medication to prevent the infection from spreading to other body parts.
Transmission of oral thrush
Oral thrush can be transmitted through direct contact and body fluids. Candida albicans can also cause yeast infections in different parts of the body. For instance, a person with oral thrush can also develop vaginal or penile yeast infection and pass the infection to other people through kissing and sexual intercourse. Infected mothers can pass the infection to their babies during childbirth and breastfeeding. Similarly, infected babies can pass the infection to their mothers through breastfeeding.
Treatment and home remedies for oral thrush
The doctor may prescribe some medications like oral antifungal creams, lozenge, and mouthwash for mild cases of oral thrush. However, if the patient is not responding well to these medications, the doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medication. The symptoms may fade away after a few weeks.
Aside from these, you can also try some home remedies and lifestyle changes to ease the pain caused by oral thrush. For instance, doctors may recommend gargling with saltwater, water and apple cider, water and baking soda, or water and lemon juice.
Prevention of oral thrush
You can reduce the risk of having oral thrush by modifying your lifestyle and improving your oral hygiene. You can start by brushing your teeth at least three times a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentists regularly. You should also avoid sharing cups, tumblers, spoons, and other utensils with other people. Moreover, dieticians also recommend eating food with probiotics like yoghurt and limiting the intake of foods with a lot of sugars and refined carbohydrates. This diet is referred to as the “candida diet.”
Possible complications of oral thrush
Even though most cases of oral thrush are mild and can be treated with medications, some patients may still experience complications. For instance, if the infection is left untreated and the immune system weakens, the fungus may spread to the oesophagus. It can also spread in the bloodstream, reaching the eyes, brain, and heart.
Final thoughts
Oral thrush is a common infection among toddlers, babies, and the elderly, which can go away after a few weeks. However, it can still lead to life-threatening scenarios, especially for those with weak immune systems. Knowing the early signs, causes, possible complications, treatments, and preventions can help you fight oral thrush.
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