Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection of the mouth caused by the overgrowth of a yeast called Candida albicans. It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies younger than 6 months old and in older adults. Here are some key points about oral thrush:
Symptoms:
- Creamy white lesions on your tongue, inner cheeks, and sometimes on the roof of your mouth, gums, and tonsils
- Slightly raised lesions with a cottage cheese-like appearance
- Redness, burning, or soreness that may be severe enough to cause difficulty eating or swallowing
- Slight bleeding if the lesions are rubbed or scraped
- Cracking and redness at the corners of your mouth
- Loss of sense of taste (ageusia)
- Cottony feeling in your mouth
Causes:
- Overgrowth of Candida albicans
- Weakened immune system
- Certain underlying conditions, including diabetes, an iron deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), and HIV
Treatment:
- Antifungal medication, which can come in the form of gels or liquid that you apply directly inside your mouth (topical medication), although tablets or capsules are sometimes used
- Topical medication will usually need to be used several times a day for around 7 to 14 days
- Tablet or capsules are usually taken
Its important to note that oral thrush is not contagious and cannot be passed to others. If you develop thrush symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
