Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a very common dental concern that involves babies, and is an infection that comes from a yeast fungus. Oral thrush causes irritation inside a baby’s mouth; however, adults can also be affected by oral thrush since most people naturally have the yeast fungus Candida albicans inside the mouth (specifically, in the mucous membranes). Although the presence of Candida albicans itself does not pose a problem, oral thrush issues start when an infection concerning the said fungus develops.

This is Dentistry is dedicated to help you get the information you need about oral thrush, so you are empowered the knowledge to help you deal with the condition if it arises. This is Dentistry also gives you access to the contact information of dentists in your local area, so you do not have to go far just to get the relief and expert care needed against oral thrush.

How Oral Thrush Starts and Risk Factors

A person has an increased risk of developing oral thrush through sudden changes in an individual’s oral chemistry. As the yeast fungus Candida albicans is already present in the mouth of most people, all it needs is a little jumpstart from an imbalance in the oral chemistry to develop into a full-blown oral thrush. Here are examples of people who have a higher risk involving the development and occurrence of oral thrush:

• Newborn babies
• Adults who experience any kind of chemical imbalance
• Adults who have diabetes
• People who wear dentures
• People using steroidal and/or antibiotic medication, as well as those using steroidal inhalers
• People who experience dry mouth, as a result of a medical condition or due to medications
• People with immune deficiency issues or poor nutrition
• People undergoing chemotherapy treatments
• People who use prohibited drugs

Symptoms of Oral Thrush

Oral thrush can manifest itself through yellow, cream-colored or white spots inside the mouth which are slightly raised. Generally, there is no pain involved in oral thrush; however there are adults that experience a burning sensation in the areas covered with oral thrush. When the oral thrush spots are scraped off, small wounds that will slightly bleed are usually left.

Treatment of Oral Thrush

Oral thrush in babies have a tendency of clearing away by itself; however, it is best to carefully sterilize and clean any mouth toys and feeding equipment after the baby has been diagnosed with oral thrush. Letting the baby drink sterilized water immediately after a milk feed can also treat or prevent the development of oral thrush, since the water washes away residual milk which the Candida albicans fungus can feed on.

Adults need to consult a dentist and their physician for the alleviation of oral thrush symptoms, especially if the oral thrush results from medical conditions and prescribed medications. Better-fitting dentures can also solve the oral thrush problem, and can be the start of a life without worrying about oral thrush concerns.

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