oral thrush is a term you may have heard before, but do you really know what it means? In this blog post we would like to give you an overview of What oral thrush is, where it comes from and how it can be treated.
What is oral thrush and how does it arise?
oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis or thrush known is a fungal infection in the mouth. It is usually caused by the Candida yeast which occurs naturally in the mouth, skin and digestive tract. Normally this fungus is harmless and is kept in check by the immune system and the balance of bacteria in the body. However, when the balance is disturbed or the immune system is weakened, Candida can overgrow and cause an infection.
Various factors can Increase the risk of oral thrush, including:
- A weakened immune system (e.g. due to HIV/AIDS, cancer or diabetes)
- Long-term use of antibiotics or corticosteroids
- Smoking
- Incorrectly fitted dentures
- dry mouth (xerostomia)
- iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency or folic acid deficiency
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Oral Fungus
Oral thrush can cause various symptoms such as:
- White or yellowish patches on the tongue, palate, gums or throat
- Red, inflamed and painful oral mucosa
- burning and mouth soreness
- Taste changes or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
- difficulty swallowing
If you suspect that oral thrush you should consult a dentist or doctor. They can make a diagnosis by examining your oral cavity and, if necessary, Take a swab from the affected areasto detect the Candida fungus.
treatment of oral thrush
The treatment of oral thrush is usually done with antifungal medications that kill Candida fungusDepending on the severity and extent of the infection, these drugs can be used as
- Mundgel,
- lozenges,
- tablets or
- In severe cases, it can even be administered as an infusion. The duration of treatment varies, but is usually between one and four weeks.
Um prevent oral thrush, it is important to have a maintaining good oral hygiene, to visit the dentist regularly and avoid risk factors such as smoking. If you have an underlying disease or are taking medication that affects your immune system, you should Discuss factors with your doctorto take appropriate steps to prevention of oral thrush to undertake.
 |
 |
 |
