What is oral thrush?

This condition is also called oral candidiasis. It occurs when the fungus Candida albicans accumulates in your mouth lining.

This organism is normal in the mouth, but it causes symptoms, including lesions on the tongue and the inner cheeks when it overgrows. Sometimes, oral thrush may spread to the roof of the mouth, tonsils, gums, or back of the throat.

Anyone can have oral thrush, but it is more prevalent in children and older adults because of their reduced immunity. This condition is a minor problem but can be severe and difficult to control if you have a weakened immune system.

Symptoms of oral thrush

Symptoms for children and adults

• White creamy lesions on the inner cheek and tongue, sometimes, roof of the mouth, tonsils, and gums
• Slightly raised lesions with the look of a cottage cheese
• Minor bleeding when the lesions are scraped or rubbed
• A burning sensation, redness, or soreness that may cause difficulty in eating or swallowing
• A cottony feeling in the mouth
• Cracked and red corners of the mouth
• Loss of taste
• Irritation, pain or redness under dentures

If oral thrush is related to cancer or a weakened immune system caused by HIV/AIDS, the lesions may spread to the oesophagus and cause difficulty swallowing. This pain may feel as though food is stuck in your throat.

Breastfeeding mothers and Infants

Infants, in addition to the white mouth lesions, will have difficulty feeding and become irritable and fussy. They can transfer this condition to their mothers during breastfeeding, and the mother may pass it back to them as they feed.

Oral thrush has the following symptoms in breastfeeding mothers;

• Itchy, cracked, unusually red and sensitive nipples
• Flaky or shiny skin on the areola
• Painful nipples when nursing or between feeding
• Stabbing pains in the breast

When to report to the doctor

It is essential to report to the doctor when you notice white lesions in your mouth or your child’s. Though thrush is uncommon in healthy children, it is essential to let your doctor know to determine its cause if it develops.

Causes of oral thrush

Oral thrush develops when the immune system is not strong enough to repel harmful organisms or balance the good and bad microbes. When this happens, your body allows excessive multiplication of candida fungus, thereby leading to oral thrush.

Risk factors

People may have an increased risk of oral thrush infection if they have the following;

• Weakened immune system
• Vaginal yeast infections
• Diabetes
• Medications such as prednisone
• Other oral conditions

Complications of oral thrush

Oral thrush is usually not a challenge for healthy children and adults. However, oral thrush can be pretty severe for people with lower immunity from HIV/AIDS or cancer treatment.

When the immune system is weaker, thrush may spread to other parts of the body, including the oesophagus.

How to prevent oral thrush

The following will help you reduce your risk of having an oral thrush infection;

• Rinse your mouth with water after using a corticosteroid inhaler or taking medications
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
• Ensure your dentures fit correctly and clean them daily
• Don’t miss your dentist appointment
• Watch your meals and reduce the amount of sugar intake
• If you have diabetes, maintain a healthy blood sugar level
• Treat vaginal yeast infections quickly
• Treat dry mouth