Oral thrush, medically known as oral candidiasis, is a common fungal infection. While often associated with infants, adults can contract oral thrush when certain factors disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms in the mouth. This condition arises from an overgrowth of yeast and, though typically not severe in healthy adults, it can cause discomfort and signal underlying health considerations.
Understanding Adult Oral Thrush
Oral thrush develops when Candida albicans, a type of yeast fungus naturally present in the mouth, multiplies excessively. Under normal circumstances, the immune system and other microbes in the mouth keep Candida levels in check, preventing problems. However, when this balance is disturbed, the fungus can grow out of control, leading to an infection. Adults can experience oral thrush when their body’s protective mechanisms are compromised.
Contributing Factors in Adults
Several factors can increase an adult’s susceptibility to oral thrush by creating an environment conducive to Candida overgrowth:
A weakened immune system, often due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, significantly raises the risk.
Certain medications, including antibiotics (which disrupt beneficial bacteria) and corticosteroids (especially inhaled forms if the mouth is not rinsed afterward), also play a role.
Chronic conditions like uncontrolled diabetes (where high sugar levels in saliva foster yeast growth) and dry mouth (xerostomia), which reduces saliva’s cleansing action, also contribute.
Lifestyle choices such as smoking and poor oral hygiene, including improper care of dentures, can create conditions that allow Candida to flourish.
Identifying Oral Thrush
Oral thrush typically presents with creamy white or yellow lesions, often resembling cottage cheese, on the tongue, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, gums, or tonsils. These patches may be slightly raised and can sometimes be wiped away, revealing red, inflamed areas that might bleed. Other common symptoms include a painful, burning sensation, redness, an altered taste, and cracks at the corners of the mouth. If the infection spreads to the throat or esophagus, individuals may experience difficulty swallowing. Diagnosis is usually made by a healthcare professional through a visual examination, sometimes with a gentle scraping of a lesion for laboratory analysis.
Treatment and Prevention Strategies
Treating oral thrush in adults typically involves antifungal medications to eliminate the Candida overgrowth. These medications can come in various forms, such as lozenges or liquids that are swished in the mouth before swallowing, or oral tablets for more severe or persistent infections. A typical course of treatment lasts 7 to 14 days, and it is important to complete the full regimen. For prevention, maintaining good oral hygiene is important, including brushing teeth twice daily, flossing regularly, and rinsing the mouth after using corticosteroid inhalers. Denture wearers should remove and clean their dentures daily, ensuring they fit properly. Managing underlying health conditions like diabetes and quitting smoking can also reduce the risk of recurrence. If symptoms are severe, do not improve with treatment, or recur frequently, medical attention is advised.