Can you get thrush in your mouth

Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a mouth infection caused by a yeast fungus.

Many people have candida present in their mouth without experiencing any problems.

There are many risk factors for developing oral thrush including diabetes, chronic illness and poor dental hygiene.

Oral thrush can be treated with antifungal mouthwashes, ointments or medications.

See your doctor if you have severe symptoms of oral thrush or your symptoms return after treatment.

What is oral thrush?

Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is an infection of the mouth caused by yeast (a type of fungus) known as candida.

Candida doesn’t always cause symptoms. Most people have candida present in their mouth without experiencing any problems.

Candida can cause problems when there is a change in the microbes (tiny living particles) living inside the mouth. This reduces the number of good bacteria and allows the yeast fungus to grow and multiply.

What causes oral thrush?

Oral thrush is caused by a yeast fungus called candida. There a few different types of candida that can cause oral thrush, but candida albicans is the most common cause.

Who gets oral thrush?

You are more likely to suffer from oral thrush if you:

Oral thrush can also be a side effect of inhaled corticosteroids, a type of medication used in lung conditions such as asthma.

What are the symptoms of oral thrush?

Oral thrush causes white patches in the mouth that can be wiped away, leaving red and bleeding areas.

Other symptoms may include:

pain or burning in the mouth
an unpleasant taste
trouble tasting food
a red mouth and throat
cracks at the corners of the mouth
difficulty eating and drinking

Oral thrush causes white patches in the mouth.

If you are concerned that you might have oral thrush, check your symptoms with healthdirect’s online Symptom Checker to get advice on when to seek medical attention.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

When should I see my doctor?

Many treatments for oral thrush are available at your local pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. If you have had thrush before and know what it feels like, you may decide to speak to your pharmacist and buy an over-the-counter treatment.

You should see your doctor if you’re not sure what is causing your symptoms, if your symptoms are severe, or if they come back after treatment.

How is oral thrush diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose oral thrush by asking about your symptoms and examining your mouth. If your doctor isn’t sure if you have oral thrush, or if your symptoms do not respond to treatment, your doctor may perform a swab of your mouth sores. This can confirm the diagnosis and help choose the best treatment for you.

In rare cases, your doctor may refer you for an endoscopy to see if you also have thrush in your oesophagus or digestive tract.

How is oral thrush treated?

There are a number of treatments available to relieve oral thrush.

Your doctor or pharmacist may recommend an antifungal mouthwash, ointment or lozenge. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication in the form of a tablet.

You will usually need to continue treatment for at least 1 week. Every treatment is different, so ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

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Oral thrush is a fungal infection in your mouth, throat, or esophagus. It occurs when Candida a fungus, that's found in your mouth and digestive tract, multiplies. White patches similar to a rash appear in the mouth, on the tongue and cheeks, and in the throat.

Anyone can develop thrush. Candida, or yeast, is responsible for diaper rash as well as vaginal yeast infections in women. Oral thrush is most common in babies, toddlers, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Oral Thrush Symptoms in Adults

Oral Thrush has different symptoms depending on your age and the type of infection, including:

White, rash-like patches on the tongue, cheeks, upper mouth, tonsils, and throat
A dry sensation, or cotton-like feeling in your mouth
Loss of taste
Raised red spots similar to cottage cheese
Redness and cracking around your mouth

If the yeast overgrowth has traveled to your esophagus, you may experience throat pain and have trouble swallowing. People who smoke or wear dentures are also more prone to developing oral thrush.

Oral Thrush Symptoms in Infants And Mothers

If your child has oral thrush, you'll see the same thick, white patches on the tongue as well as in the mouth and throat. Other symptoms of this condition in babies include:

A sore mouth
Decreased sucking when breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, which results in consuming less milk
White coating on the tongue
Sensitive, cracked, or sore nipples if you're breastfeeding

Remedies and Treatments for Oral Thrush

Oral thrush clears up within a few weeks with the proper antifungal treatment. The condition may be harder to treat if you have a weakened immune system from HIV infection, cancer, or diabetes.

Immediate Treatment

Treatment is designed to stop the fungus from spreading, but it's also important to determine the infection's underlying causes. This can prevent future infections and keep yeast under control.

Take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Don't share your toothbrush with anyone and replace it often until the infection clears. If you wear dentures, disinfect them as fungus-covered dentures can lead to reinfection. Talk to your dentist to determine the best way to clean your appliances.

If oral thrush is developed while breastfeeding, place pads on your breasts to prevent the infection from spreading to your clothing. Avoid pads with plastic barriers, which can cause yeast to grow. Wear a clean bra every day and talk to your doctor to determine how to clean bottles, pacifiers, and breast pumps if you use one.

If you have a mild case of oral thrush after a course of antibiotics, consider eating yogurt or taking an over-the-counter (OTC) acidophilus pill. Probiotics help repopulate the "good" bacteria in your body.

Long-Term Treatment

Severe cases of thrush are usually treated with antifungal medications. They're available as tablets, lozenges, or liquids that you swish around in your mouth before swallowing. Common medications include:

Antifungal mouthwash (nystatin)
Lozenges (clotrimazole)
Antifungal medicines like fluconazole (Diflucan) or itraconazole (Sporanox). These are taken in tablet or liquid form.

The course of treatment depends on your age and the cause of the fungal infection. A course of medication lasts from 10 to 14 days.

When to See Your Doctor

If your immune system is uncompromised, oral thrush should resolve within two weeks. If you are immunocompromised or have an underlying medical condition, call your doctor. Here are some symptoms that may be warning signs:

Thrush-like sores that don't go away
Difficulty or pain when swallowing
Thrush symptoms with an underlying medical condition, like HIV

If you suspect your child has oral thrush, seek medical care if they:

Are dehydrated
Haven't urinated in more than eight hours
Have dark urine and a dry mouth
Bleeding sores in the mouth
Look or act very sick.

A Candida infection may be an indication of other diseases or medical problems. Talk to your doctor to set up any additional treatment plans.

Show Sources

SOURCES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): "Candida infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus."

What causes thrush in mouth?

Drugs such as prednisone, inhaled corticosteroids, or antibiotics that disturb the natural balance of microorganisms in your body can increase your risk of oral thrush. Other oral conditions. Wearing dentures, especially upper dentures, or having conditions that cause dry mouth can increase the risk of oral thrush.

Will oral thrush go away on its own?

In many cases, thrush goes away on its own without treatment. A persistent yeast infection may require antifungal medications. These can be taken orally or applied as ointments directly to your mouth. Antifungal rinses are another option for treating thrush.

How can I get rid of oral thrush fast?

Home remedies of oral thrush.

Salt-water rinse. Try dissolving 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. ... .

Baking soda. Like the salt-water solution, mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda into a cup of warm water. ... .

Yogurt. ... .

Lemon juice. ... .

Turmeric. ... .

Oregano oil. ... .

Apple cider vinegar. ... .

Clove oil..

How serious is oral thrush?

For most people, oral thrush isn't a serious problem. If your immune system is compromised, however, it may spread and become a systemic infection. Contact your doctor right away at the first signs of oral thrush if you have a compromised immune system.