Oral thrush is a fungal yeast infection of the mouth that is common among infants and young children, according to the Mount Nittany Medical Center in Pennsylvania. Patients with compromised immune systems due to cancer or HIV/AIDS may also be at an increased risk of developing oral thrush symptoms. This infection occurs when a particular type of yeast called Candidiasis albicans grows too quickly within the mouth. Anyone who develops the symptoms of oral thrush should contact a doctor for further evaluation and care.
Burning or Discomfort in the Mouth
The overgrowth of oral yeast can cause affected patients to experience an uncomfortable burning sensation within the mouth, explains The Body, an online resource for patients with HIV/AIDS. Oral discomfort can make it difficult for certain patients to eat, which can lead to a decrease in appetite.
Oral Skin Lesions
Patients with this infection can develop unusual skin lesions within the mouth as a symptom of yeast overgrowth, explain the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, or UMMC. White, creamy patches of skin can develop along the tongue, gums, throat or inside the cheeks. Without treatment, these skin lesions can spread throughout the entire mouth. Some patients may also develop cracked or bleeding skin at the corners of the mouth. These oral skin lesions can contribute to discomfort or pain within the mouth. Patients who develop any of these oral thrush symptoms should seek additional medical care as soon as possible.
Altered Taste Sensation
An oral thrush infection can cause taste alterations in affected patients, warns Colgate World of Care, a website of Colgate-Palmolive, provider of oral, health and home care products. Patients may notice a persistently unpleasant or bad taste in the mouth. Certain patients can develop a decreased sense of taste, which can affect the way certain foods taste.
Dry Mouth
Oral skin lesions caused by thrush can lead to dry mouth symptoms in some patients, explains the University of California Los Angeles Health System. Patients with dry mouth can develop thick, sticky saliva or may have difficulty chewing or swallowing. Additional dry mouth symptoms can include sore throat or increased thirst. Affected patients should seek additional care from a medical professional to ensure receipt of appropriate care.
