What is an Oral Yeast Infection?
This infection in the mouth is also known as oral thrush which is caused by a fungal microorganism or yeast called Candida Albicans. It is fairly common in infants and adults with weakened immune system. It is generally not a serious condition but it can be uncomfortable. Oral thrush (cottony feeling) can affect anyone especially when the body is exposed to the infection and the defense mechanism is weak.
Causes and Symptoms of Oral Yeast Infection
The risk of having oral yeast infection is high when a person has contracted HIV or Cancer. It can also be increased when taking antibiotics, using inhaled corticosteroids for asthma, or having diabetes. Without proper hygiene and poor oral care, people who wear dentures are susceptible to acquire it. Another cause may be from having oral sex with someone who has a yeast infection. Heavy smoking is sometimes associated with oral thrush because it can irritate the tissue lining the mouth making it easier for yeast (cottony feeling) and other organisms to develop. Pregnancy can increase the risk of developing oral infection because the hormonal fluctuations alter the natural ph balance of the body. During this changes that occur in the body, candida can overgrow.
The appearance of white patches on the mouth or a thick deposit on mucosal membranes such as the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, tonsils, and the palate depicts the infection. Sometimes the symptoms are not noticeable and may persist for a long period of time. The infected area (cottony feeling) appears reddish and slightly raised. It can be painful and often bleed if rubbed which causes cracking the corners of the mouth. The person may experience a temporary loss of taste. In severe cases the inflammation can spread down the esophagus and makes it difficult to swallow.
Preventive measures
To minimize the risks of infection proper oral hygiene is important. Brush your teeth regularly and gargle with mouthwash to kill germs. If you are wearing dentures, make sure to clean it and remove them during bedtime. If you have a medical condition like diabetes, do your best to control it. Aside from lowering your risk to oral infection, if you refrain from smoking it will lead to better health condition. Most importantly when you feel any symptom like a cottony feeling; see your doctor right away. It is best to stop the early appearance before it becomes a bigger problem.
How to cure the infection
The dentist may be able to diagnose an oral yeast infection by simply looking at it and asking if there is a cottony feeling. If there are doubts, a small portion will scraped off gently and examined it with a microscope. It can also be sent to a laboratory where it can be cultured. The treatment consists of using a liquid antifungal or lozenges. It can be swished around the mouth to treat the infection up to fourteen days. Other doctors recommend taking in probiotics to bring back the healthy balance of the mouth. It is also important o boost your immune system. People with low immunity and caught an infection may be harder to eliminate. Healthier adults do not need to worry because antifungal pills are similarly effective.
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