1. Identify Tongue Fungus Visually
Tongue fungus, or oral thrush, is easily identifiable as an off-white lesion coating the tongue, cheeks, gums or palate. It is caused by the Candida fungus, or yeast, and is not limited to the mouth. Vaginal yeast infection and diaper rash are just a few other types of Candida infection. Anyone can develop a Candida infection, but it is especially prominent in infants, toddlers, senior citizens and people with weakened immune systems. A dentist can also help you identify the infection by lightly rubbing away the lesions. If they are in fact caused by oral thrush, this will leave a pink, tender area, which may bleed slightly.
2. Identify Tongue Fungus by Symptoms
Oral thrush may be characterized by painful or otherwise difficult swallowing, a feeling as though your food is getting stuck in the middle of your chest, or fever, if the infection has spread beyond the esophagus. Symptoms may come on rather suddenly when you become infected. You should get treatment immediately for tongue fungus as it spreads easily and is easily transmitted by kissing, breastfeeding and other person-to-person contact.
3. See a Professional for Tests
To determine whether you have a Candida infection of the mouth, visit your local dentist. The dentist will take a sample swab from one of the lesions and do a culture on it to be sure that it is oral thrush. If it has already spread to, or beyond, the esophagus, stomach or small intestine, a doctor may need to pass a lighted camera through these areas, or take X-rays to determine the extent of the infection.
