Oral Yeast Infection Diagnosis and Prevention
Oral yeast infections, also called thrush, are caused by fungus, or yeast, called Candida albicans. Candida is naturally occurring in mouths in low numbers along with other types of good bacteria. Each of these organisms keeps the others under control. A disruption of this equilibrium creates the perfect environment for yeast to thrive and populate, leading to a case of thrush.
Some symptoms of thrush are: white patchy areas in your mouth or on your tongue (sometimes these patches bleed when touched), a red or sore area inside your mouth, or cracking along the corners of your mouth.
Your chances of getting an oral yeast infection increase when your immune system is compromised. If you are sick, on antibiotics, using corticosteroids, like for asthma then you are more likely to experience thrush. In addition, people who are very old or young are more likely to have oral thrush because they are more fragile. You can also get thrush if you have oral sex with a person experiencing a yeast infection.
Many infants develop thrush. Usually this clears up on its own and is not viewed as a serious condition unless it lasts for over a week.
Adult thrush is often linked to bad oral hygiene. It can be a sign of serious decay or neglect. Tobacco use has also been linked to thrush. The smoke is said to irritate tissue in the mouth, making it simpler for yeast to invade and grow.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A doctor or dentist can diagnose you with an oral yeast infection by looking for characteristic velvet-like white areas inside your mouth or along your tongue. If they are unsure, a culture will be taken by scraping a small sample from your mouth and sending it to the lab where it will be examined under a microscope.
To treat thrush you can use a medicated mouthwash or lozenges for about a week. Many doctors also recommend that you eat probitoics, a type of healthy bacteria found in yogurt. Usually this information is advertised right on the label.
Healthy people will not have trouble recovering from thrush and your symptoms should clear up quickly. However, if your immune system is compromised, then the yeast infection could spread to your throat, esophagus, and bloodstream and other organs. This situation is very rare though, and usually a signal that something more serious is wrong such as an underlying disorder like diabetes.
You can prevent thrush infections by practicing good oral hygiene. This means brushing often, especially before bed. If you wear dentures, you should clean them often and remove them at night. Try to avoid dry mouth as this provides the perfect conditions for yeast to grow. If you have a medical condition like diabetes, you should do your best to control it. Avoiding smoking and tobacco will also help keep thrush at bay.
If you notice any symptoms of thrush you should visit your doctor immediately so you can receive a diagnosis and begin a treatment regimen to quickly restore equilibrium to your body.
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