Oral thrush is fungal infection of the mouth caused by Candida albicans. This results in white patches in the mouth. Some amount of fungus is present in the mouths of most people. This is kept in check by the normal bacterial flora of the oral cavity. When this balance between the microbes is lost due to certain illnesses, the healthy bacteria are destroyed and the yeast grows uninhibited. This results in thrush. This occurs in people with weakened immunity levels and diabetes, as well as in infants and anyone on long-term antibiotics.
Low Immunity
Weakened immunity due to diseases or drugs will upset microbe balance and result in oral thrush. For example, getting thrush of the mouth repeatedly is often the first sign of HIV, according to Mayo Clinic.
Cancer is another disease that lowers the body's immune levels. Additionally, chemotherapy and radiation given to treat the cancer will suppress the body's ability to fight infections, often resulting in thrush.
Medications
Taking medications such as antibiotics, steroids and birth control pills can predispose a person to thrush. Antibiotics will kill some of the good bacteria, which prevent fungal overgrowth. This will upset the body's natural balance of friendly bacteria that fight fungus. The Candida will then multiply freely and result in thrush.
Asthmatics who use inhalers are also susceptible to thrush. The mouth should be rinsed thoroughly with water after inhaling the dose.
Diabetes
High sugar in the saliva of diabetics will act like food for the Candida. This creates a perfect environment in which the fungus will thrive.
Extremes of Age
Being very old or very young increases your chances of getting thrush, according to the National Institutes of Health. Malnourished people are also at risk. Babies in whom immunity is not fully developed will have Candida present in large amounts in the mouth. Newborns can acquire it during childbirth from mothers with yeast infections of the vagina. On the other hand, a baby with fungal infection of the mouth can pass it to the nursing mother during breast feeding. Unclean feeding equipment and pacifiers can also cause the fungus to multiply. Before feeding infants, bottle nipples should be sterilized.
Other Causes
Wearing dentures that are ill fitting will damage the mucous membrane of the mouth and act as a gateway for the Candida.
Dry mouth, a condition that occurs due to certain medications and radiation treatment, will result in thrush due to the lack of saliva.
