Candida albicans is a naturally-occurring fungus that is present within the mouth and digestive tract and across the skin. Overgrowth of this fungus in the mouth can cause oral yeast infection symptoms in affected patients. This common infection can affect people of any age, but most commonly develops in infants and young children. Patients who develop mouth yeast infection symptoms should be seen by a doctor who will prescribe an appropriate antifungal medication.
White Mouth Lesions
The characteristic symptom of a yeast infection in the mouth, a condition called oral thrush, is the appearance of white, creamy oral skin lesions, explains MedlinePlus, a health information website of the National Institutes of Health. These oral skin lesions can resemble cottage cheese and may appear along the tongue, gums, inside the cheeks or along the roof of the mouth. If a patient attempts to scrape these skin lesions off, he might notice red patches of skin beneath the white lesions that begin to bleed. Left untreated, these oral skin lesions may grow in size and can spread within the mouth.
Mouth Pain or Discomfort
In certain cases, patients with a mouth yeast infection can develop sensations of pain at the site of the white oral skin lesions, according to Colgate World of Care, a website established by Colgate-Palmolive. Mouth discomfort is typically mild and can contribute to decreased appetite in certain patients.
Cracked Corners of the Mouth
The skin at the corners of the mouth can begin to crack and bleed as a symptom of a mouth yeast infection, warns KidsHealth, a children's health information website established by the Nemours Foundation. If this occurs, it can be difficult or uncomfortable for affected patients to open their mouths normally while eating or brushing their teeth. These mouth yeast infection symptoms are temporary and will subside once patients receive appropriate antifungal treatment.
Decreased Taste Sensations
Oral skin lesions that develop due to a mouth yeast infection can affect a patient's ability to taste certain foods. As a result, patients with this infection can experience a loss or decrease of taste, warns MayoClinic.com. Some patients may also develop a cottony taste or feeling within their mouths that can be unpleasant. These altered taste sensations can contribute to a decreased appetite in affected patients.
