1. Spot the Lesions
Oral thrush is a mouth infection that produces distinctive lesions. If you notice white growths in your mouth, particularly if they are red underneath the surface or bleed easily, you should have your symptoms checked by a doctor. When left untreated, thrush mouth can grow and spread. If you've got a compromised immune system, it can even infect your throat or the rest of your body with potentially serious complications. Your doctor may be able to identify and diagnose the condition on sight based on the characteristics and number of lesions. In some cases, further testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
2. Give a Sample for Microscopic Examination
If your doctor orders a biopsy, she will take a sample of the lesion tissue and submit it to a lab for analysis. The lab technicians will be looking to match the microbes in the lesion tissue to the Candida fungus that causes oral thrush. It's necessary to arrive at a definitive diagnosis because the lesions seen in cases of oral thrush bear a strong resemblance to symptoms of other conditions, including oral cancers.
3. Grow a Culture
As an alternative to laboratory analysis, your doctor may elect to try to grow a culture of the Candida fungus from the tissue around your mouth lesions. The yeast cells will sporulate and grow under controlled conditions and can be directly observed by your doctor or a lab professional.
If you're diagnosed with oral thrush, your treatment will be oriented towards accomplishing two things: boosting your immunity and attacking the fungus growth. To accomplish the first, your doctor may direct you to natural sources of immunity strength, such as vitamin C. Killing the active fungus itself usually requires special antifungal mouthwash or throat lozenges that will need to be taken for 5 to 10 days.
