Oral thrush, medically known as oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection of the mouth. It is caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a yeast that naturally resides in the mouth in small amounts. While oral thrush itself typically does not produce a strong odor, secondary bacterial infections or inadequate oral hygiene can contribute to bad breath, also called halitosis.
Understanding Oral Thrush Beyond Odor
Oral thrush primarily presents with visual and physical symptoms in the mouth. Common signs include creamy white or yellowish patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, gums, or tonsils. These patches may resemble cottage cheese and are often slightly raised.
When these white lesions are rubbed or scraped, they may reveal a reddened, inflamed surface that can bleed. Individuals might also experience soreness or a burning sensation, making eating or swallowing difficult. A cottony feeling, an unpleasant taste, or a diminished sense of taste are also reported symptoms. Additionally, cracking and redness at the corners of the mouth, known as angular cheilitis, can extend from the infection.
Why Oral Thrush Occurs
Oral thrush develops when an imbalance in the mouth’s natural microbial environment leads to an overgrowth of Candida albicans. While Candida is a normal inhabitant of the mouth and digestive tract, certain factors can disrupt this balance, allowing the fungus to multiply unchecked.
Weakened immune systems are a common factor, making infants, older adults, and individuals with conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or uncontrolled diabetes more susceptible. Medications such as corticosteroids, including inhaled corticosteroids for asthma, and broad-spectrum antibiotics can disturb beneficial mouth bacteria, creating an environment favorable for Candida growth. Other risk factors include wearing dentures, especially if ill-fitting or not cleaned properly, and conditions causing dry mouth.
Managing and Preventing Oral Thrush
Managing oral thrush typically involves antifungal medications prescribed by a healthcare professional. For milder cases, topical antifungals like nystatin suspension or clotrimazole lozenges are often recommended, applied directly to affected areas. These are usually taken several times daily for 7 to 14 days. For more extensive or persistent infections, oral antifungal medications like fluconazole may be prescribed, usually taken once daily for 7 to 14 days.
Preventive measures and good oral hygiene practices are important to reduce recurrence. Brushing teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly helps maintain oral health. Denture wearers should remove dentures at night and clean them thoroughly daily to prevent fungal buildup.
Rinsing the mouth with water after using corticosteroid inhalers can help remove medication residue that might promote fungal growth. Managing underlying health conditions like diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels is also beneficial, as high sugar levels in saliva can encourage Candida overgrowth. If symptoms persist or worsen despite home care, or if there is difficulty swallowing, seeking medical attention is advised.