Thrush, a common infection caused by the Candida albicans fungus, can affect the mouth. Candida albicans occurs naturally in the mouth, but its growth normally is kept in check by the immune system and the presence of other organisms. Thrush grows best in warm, moist environments, which makes the mouth an excellent medium for growth, explains AskDrSears.com.
Risk Factors
While anyone can develop a Candida infection, infections occur more frequently in infants and people with compromised immune systems, such as chemotherapy patients and people with diabetes, as well as people who wear dentures that fit poorly and those who have conditions that cause dry mouth, MayoClinic.com reports. People who use corticosteroid inhalers or who take oral corticosteroids also have a higher risk of developing oral thrush. Taking antibiotics can also kill off the "good" bacteria in the mouth that keep oral thrush under control, allowing Candida overgrowth.
Symptoms
Symptoms of oral thrush include white lesions that may resemble curds of milk or cottage cheese on the lips, tongue, roof of the mouth, gums or tonsils, MayoClinic.com reports. When the white lesions are scraped away, the tissue underneath is typically raw and bleeds easily. Pain, an inability to taste and cracking at the mouth corners may also occur.
Treatment
Babies may not require any treatment and may clear the infection within a few weeks, MedlinePlus states. For breastfed babies, treating both mother and baby most effectively treats oral thrush, especially if the mother has infected nipples. Acidophilus, a naturally occurring bacteria, can help control oral thrush. Powder is applied to an infant's mouth, while older children or adults can take oral capsules. Nystatin, an antifungal medication, is also applied to lesions in infants and used as a mouthwash or lozenge in older children and adults.
People with severe immune diseases such as HIV may develop resistance to antifungal medications. Amphotericin B may help fight the infection in difficult cases, MayoClinic.com advises.
Complications
While oral thrush normally causes few serious problems, it can cause pain that interferes with eating, which can cause problems for infants and others who have serious illnesses. Candida can also spread to the intestines, interfering with nutrition, MayoClinic.com warns.
Prevention
People who use oral inhalers should rinse their mouths after each use. For diabetics, keeping blood glucose levels under control helps prevent oral thrush. Sterilizing pacifiers and other objects an infant puts in his mouth helps prevent recurrent infection, MedlinePlus states. Objects that can't be sterilized should be discarded. Taking acidophilus capsules when taking antibiotics and eating yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus or bifidobacterium also helps prevent overgrowth of oral Candida.
