What is Thrush?
Thrush is an oral, fungal infection that is common in infants, the elderly and the immune compromised. The good news is, while uncomfortable and unsightly, for most healthy people thrush is largely benign and should clear up quickly with treatment.
However, for those who are more susceptible, thrush can spread beyond the mouth to the esophagus and even to the lungs, liver and skin. So, it is important to understand what causes it, and what underlying factors can make you susceptible.
Symptoms
The main symptom of thrush is the appearance of many white sores, which can resemble cottage cheese, in the mouth. These can cause discomfort and pain in the mouth. But, thrush can also come with a variety of symptoms, including:
White patches in the mouth and throat
Loss of taste
Cotton-mouth
Redness or soreness in the mouth
Pain while eating
Cracking and redness at the corners of your mouth
For young children and babies, thrush may cause a white coating on the tongue, or reduced eating/breastfeeding due to mouth soreness. It is important to note that it is possible for breastfeeding babies to pass on thrush to their mothers. This often causes cracked, sensitive or sore nipples.
What causes thrush?
Candida albicans fungus is the main culprit. Though this fungus is normally found in your mouth, digestive tract and skin, it’s kept in check by your immune system and other bacteria in the body. However, when that balance is disrupted, candida fungus can multiply out of control and cause havoc in your mouth.
In babies and the elderly, this balance can be precarious, making them more susceptible to infection. But in healthy adults, the balance is usually quite robust, making thrush uncommon. However, certain underlying problems can make adults more susceptible.
These can include:
Certain illnesses
Medications like corticosteroids or antibiotics
Stress
Uncontrolled diabetes
HIV infection
Cancer
Ill-fitting dentures
Smoking
If an adult does get thrush, it’s essential to understand what underlying problem preceded it.
Treatment
For mild cases of thrush, treatment is often not needed, as your body should take care of it on its own. However, you can help it along with a few home remedies. This can include rinsing your mouth with saltwater or baking soda mixed in water, increasing the acidity of your mouth with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, or simply eating probiotic yogurt.
However, if you have underlying health concerns, like a compromised immune system, or it continues or gets worse after a week, call your doctor. They will be able to prescribe you an anti-fungal treatment that should clear it up in a week or two.
Prevention
The best way to prevent thrush is to maintain a strong oral health routine. This will keep the various flora and fauna in your mouth in balance, and stop candida albicans from overrunning your mouth.
That includes:
Rinsing your mouth, or brushing your teeth, after taking inhaled medications
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily
Checking to ensure your dentures fit correctly and removing them at night. Also, make sure your dentures are cleaned regularly and well
Making regular dental visits
Not over-indulging in sugary foods
Treating dry mouth