How to get rid of oral thrush during pregnancy

Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

What is oral thrush?

It’s normal for a small amount of fungus to live in your mouth. But in some cases, the fungus may rapidly multiply and lead to a yeast infection.

Oral thrush happens when this type of yeast infection develops inside your mouth. It’s also known as oral candidiasis, oropharyngeal candidiasis, or simply thrush.

Oral thrush most often occurs in infants and toddlers. It causes white or yellowish lesions or spots to form on the inner cheeks, tongue, gums, lips, and roof of the mouth. Those spots usually go away with treatment.

The infection is typically mild and rarely causes serious problems. It’s often easily treated. But in people with weakened immune systems, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause potentially serious complications.

In its early stages, oral thrush may not cause any symptoms. But as the infection gets worse, one or more of the following symptoms may develop:

white or yellow spots on your inner cheeks, tongue, tonsils, gums, or lips
slight bleeding if the spots are scraped
soreness or burning in your mouth
a cotton-like sensation in your mouth
dry, cracked skin at the corners of your mouth
difficulty swallowing
a bad taste in your mouth
a loss of taste
redness, irritation, and pain under dentures (denture stomatitis)

In some cases, oral thrush can affect your esophagus, though this is uncommon. The same fungus that causes oral thrush can also cause yeast infections in other parts of your body. Learn more about the symptoms of oral thrush and other types of yeast infections.

Oral thrush and other yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans (C. albicans).

It’s normal for a small amount of C. albicans to live in your mouth, without causing harm. When your immune system is working properly, beneficial bacteria in your body help keep C. albicans under control.

But if your immune system is compromised or the balance of microorganisms in your body is disrupted, the fungus can grow out of control.

You may develop an overgrowth of C. albicans that causes oral thrush if you take certain medications that reduce the number of friendly microorganisms in your body, such as antibiotics.

Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can also damage or kill healthy cells. This makes you more susceptible to oral thrush and other infections.

Conditions that weaken your immune system, such as leukemia and HIV, also increase the risk of developing oral thrush. Oral thrush is a common opportunistic infection in people with HIV.

Diabetes can contribute to oral thrush as well. Uncontrolled diabetes weakens your immune system and causes high blood sugar levels. This creates favorable conditions for C. albicans to grow.

If you have oral thrush, it’s possible to pass the fungus that causes this condition on to someone else if you kiss them. In some cases, that person might develop oral thrush.

The fungus that causes oral thrush also causes yeast infections in other body parts. It’s possible for you to pass the fungus from one part of your body to another part of someone else’s body.

If you have oral thrush, a vaginal yeast infection, or a penile yeast infection, you can potentially pass the fungus to your partner through vaginal sex, anal sex, or oral sex.

If you’re pregnant and you have a vaginal yeast infection, you can potentially pass the fungus to your baby during delivery.

If you have a breast yeast infection or nipple yeast infection, you can pass the fungus to your baby while breastfeeding. Your baby can also transmit the fungus to you if they breastfeed when they have oral thrush.

When C. albicans is passed from one person to another, it doesn’t always cause oral thrush or other types of yeast infection.

Also, because C. albicans is so common in our environment, developing a yeast infection does not mean you necessarily caught it from someone else. Learn about some of the factors that can raise your risk of developing an infection when someone passes this fungus to you.

Your doctor may be able to diagnose oral thrush simply by examining your mouth for the characteristic lesions that it causes.

In some cases, your doctor may take a biopsy of the affected area to confirm the diagnosis. To perform a biopsy, they will scrape off a small portion of the lesion from your mouth. The sample will then be sent to a laboratory to be tested for C. albicans.

If your doctor suspects that you have oral thrush in your esophagus, they may use a throat swab culture or endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis.

To perform a throat swab culture, your doctor uses a cotton swab to take a tissue sample from the back of your throat. They then send this sample to a laboratory for testing.

To perform endoscopy, your doctor uses a thin tube with a light and camera attached to it. They insert this “endoscope” through your mouth and into your esophagus to examine it. They may also remove a sample of tissue for analysis.

To treat oral thrush, your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following medications:

fluconazole (Diflucan), an oral antifungal medication
clotrimazole (Mycelex Troche), an antifungal medication that’s available as a lozenge
nystatin (Nystop, Nyata), an antifungal mouthwash that you can swish in your mouth or swab in your baby’s mouth
itraconazole (Sporanox), an oral antifungal medication that’s used to treat people who don’t respond to other treatments for oral thrush and people with HIV
amphotericin B (AmBisome, Fungizone), a medication that’s used to treat severe cases of oral thrush

Once you begin treatment, oral thrush usually goes away within a couple of weeks. But in some cases, it can return.

For adults who have recurring cases of oral thrush with no known cause, their healthcare provider will evaluate them for underlying medical conditions that might be contributing to thrush.

Infants may have several episodes of oral thrush in their first year of life.

Your doctor might also recommend home remedies or lifestyle changes to help treat oral thrush or stop it from coming back.

When you’re recovering, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene. Here are a few tips:

Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush to avoid scraping the spots caused by thrush.
Replace your toothbrush after you finish your treatment for oral thrush, and properly clean your dentures if you wear them, in order to lower your risk of reinfection.
Avoid mouthwashes or mouth sprays, unless your doctor has prescribed them.

Some home remedies may also help relieve symptoms of thrush in adults.

For example, it might help to rinse your mouth with one of the following:

saltwater
a solution of water and baking soda
a mixture of water and lemon juice
a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar

It might also help to eat yogurt that contains beneficial bacteria or take a probiotic supplement. Talk to a doctor before giving an infant any supplements. Learn more about these home remedies and others.

The same fungus that causes oral thrush can also cause yeast infections on your breasts and nipples.

This fungus can be passed back and forth between mothers and babies during breastfeeding.

If your baby has oral thrush, they can potentially pass the fungus to your breasts or other areas of skin. If you have a breast yeast infection or nipple yeast infection, you can potentially pass the fungus to your baby’s mouth or skin.

Also, because yeast can live on the skin without causing an infection, your baby can develop oral thrush without you having any symptoms of a breast or nipple yeast infection.

If you develop a yeast infection on your breasts or nipples, you may experience:

pain in your breasts, during and after breastfeeding
itchiness or a burning sensation in or around your nipples
white or pale spots on or around your nipples
shiny skin on or around your nipples
flaking skin on or around your nipples

If your baby develops oral thrush or you develop a breast or nipple yeast infection, it’s important to get treatment for both you and your baby. This can help prevent a cycle of transmission.

Your healthcare provider may advise you to do the following:

Treat your baby with an antifungal medication and apply an antifungal cream, such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or clotrimazole (Lotrimin), to your breasts. Wipe the cream off your breasts before breastfeeding your baby to stop the cream from getting in their mouth.
Sterilize your baby’s pacifiers, teething rings, bottle nipples, and any other items they put in their mouth. If you use a breast pump, sterilize all of its pieces as well.
Keep your nipples clean and dry between feedings. If you use nursing pads, avoid those that have a plastic liner, which may trap moisture and create favorable conditions for fungus to grow.

Your doctor might also advise you to make lifestyle changes to help treat or prevent oral thrush and other types of yeast infection. Get more tips for managing the risk of yeast infection while breastfeeding.

Oral thrush most often affects infants and toddlers. Babies can potentially develop oral thrush after contracting the fungus from their mothers during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding or just from yeast that is naturally present in their environment.

If your baby has oral thrush, they may develop the same signs and symptoms that can affect other people with the condition, including:

white or yellow spots or patches on their inner cheeks, tongue, tonsils, gums, or lips
slight bleeding if the spots are scraped
soreness or burning in their mouth
dry, cracked skin at the corners of their mouth

Oral thrush in babies may also cause difficulty feeding and irritability or fussiness.

If you suspect that your baby might have oral thrush, make an appointment with their doctor. If your baby develops oral thrush while you’re breastfeeding them, both of you will need antifungal treatments. Find out why this is important for keeping you and your baby healthy.

Oral thrush is most common in babies and older adults, who tend to have weaker immune systems. But it can occur at any age.

Younger adults can develop oral thrush, especially if they have an impaired immune system. For example, adults are more likely to develop thrush if they have a history of certain medical conditions, medical treatments, or lifestyle habits that weaken their immune system.

In otherwise healthy adults, oral thrush is unlikely to cause serious problems. But if your immune system isn’t working well, the infection may spread to other parts of your body.

Babies, toddlers, and older adults are more likely than others to develop oral thrush. Certain medical conditions, medical treatments, and lifestyle factors can also increase your risk of thrush by weakening your immune system or disrupting the balance of microbes in your body.

For example, you may be at heightened risk of thrush if you:

have a condition that causes dry mouth
have diabetes, anemia, leukemia, or HIV
take antibiotics, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressant drugs
receive treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy
smoke cigarettes
wear dentures

In people with healthy immune systems, oral thrush rarely causes complications. In severe cases, it may spread to your esophagus.

If your immune system is weakened, you’re more likely to develop complications from thrush. Without proper treatment, the fungus that causes thrush may enter your bloodstream and spread to your heart, brain, eyes, or other body parts. This is known as invasive or systemic candidiasis.

Systemic candidiasis can cause problems in the organs it affects. It can also cause a potentially life-threatening condition known as septic shock.

To reduce your risk of oral thrush, try the following:

Avoid sharing cups and utensils with others.
Eat a nutritious diet and practice an overall healthy lifestyle to support the functioning of your immune system.
Practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing every day, and visiting your dentist on a regular basis.
If your mouth is chronically dry, make an appointment with your doctor and follow their recommended treatment plan.
If you have dentures, remove them before you go to bed, clean them daily, and make sure they fit properly.
If you have a corticosteroid inhaler, rinse out your mouth or brush your teeth after using it.
If you have diabetes, take steps to manage your blood sugar levels.

If you develop a yeast infection in another part of your body other than your mouth, get treatment. In some cases, an infection can spread from one part of your body to another.

More research is needed to understand how diet may affect oral thrush.

Some studies suggest that eating certain probiotic foods or taking probiotic supplements might help limit the growth of C. albicans. However, more research is needed to learn about the role that probiotics might play in treating or preventing oral thrush.

Some people believe that limiting or avoiding certain foods may also help curb the growth of C. albicans. For example, some people have suggested that limiting refined carbohydrates and sugars can help treat or prevent oral thrush and other yeast infections.

The “candida diet” has been developed based on these beliefs. However, this diet lacks scientific support. Get more information about what this diet entails and the limits of the scientific evidence supporting it.

How to Treat Thrush During Pregnancy

Thrush is caused by the fungus Candida albicans, which inhabits the mouth or genitals. If present in excessive amounts, this fungus can cause white lesions, redness, and soreness, among other symptoms. Candida albicans occurs naturally in the body in small quantities. Expecting mothers often want to know how to treat thrush naturally during pregnancy.
However, when the immune system is not functioning at full capacity, the body is unable to keep the levels of fungus in check, and thrush can result. Thrush can occur in the mouth, in the genitals, and on the breasts of mothers who are nursing infants with thrush.

Symptoms of Oral Thrush During Pregnancy Include:

Creamy white lesions on your tongue, inner cheeks, and sometimes on the roof of your mouth, gums, and tonsils
Slightly raised lesions with a cottage cheese-like appearance
Redness or soreness that may be severe enough to cause difficulty eating or swallowing
Slight bleeding if the lesions are rubbed or scraped
Cracking and redness at the corners of your mouth (especially in denture wearers)
A cottony feeling in your mouth
Loss of taste

Thrush can occur at any age, from babies, to healthy adults, and even to the elderly.

The Following Include Possible Risk Factors for Contracting Thrush:

Being an infant or elderly
Having a weakened immune system
Wearing dentures
Having other health conditions, such as diabetes
Taking certain medications, such as antibiotics or oral/inhaled corticosteroids
Undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer
Having conditions that cause dry mouth

Treat thrush naturally while expecting is possible. Here are a couple of natural options you can take to treat thrush naturally during pregnancy.

Proper oral hygiene

One way you can combat the excessive amounts of oral fungus is practicing good brushing and flossing habits daily. However, it is best to avoid mouthwash during this time since it can affect the original amounts of flora inside your mouth.

Saltwater rinse

Rinsing with salt water might help to alleviate some of the pain caused by the sores in your mouth. The Mayo Clinic recommends the following practice: Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) of salt in 1 cup (237 milliliters) of warm water. Swish this around in your mouth and then spit it out. Do not swallow it.

Treating Thrush during Pregnancy When the Natural Ways Don’t Work

There are options you can explore with your health care provider or over the counter when experiencing thrush.

Antifungal cream

An antifungal cream can be used to treat breastfeeding moms who contract thrush from their infants, as well as women who develop thrush in their vagina. Babies with thrush can pass the condition on to the breastfeeding mother.
In this case, the doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream to treat the thrush that is on the breasts. If your infant has thrush, it is likely the fungus is also on the baby’s pacifier and bottles, so they should be washed thoroughly and sanitized. Your doctor can identify further ways to clean these items.
Sometimes, cases of thrush are severe enough that they cannot be cured by natural means alone. In this situation, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication to help regulate the levels of Candida albicans in your system. It is important to note that pregnant women should not take the anti-fungal tablets known as fluconazole, as some studies indicate that it could cause birth defects. Consult with your doctor before taking any medications.
If you think you have thrush, it is important to consult your doctor immediately, as thrush can spread into the throat, esophagus, and intestines, leading to eating and digestion issues.

Want to Know More?

Yeast Infections During Pregnancy

Compiled using information from the following sources:

Mayo Clinic: Disease Conditions/oral thrush

https://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1101.aspx?CategoryID=54

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/infections/Pages/Thrush-and-Other-Candida-Infections.aspx

Oral candidiasis (thrush) - symptoms and treatment

Oral candidiasis is an inflammatory disease that develops against the background of damage to the mucous membranes by fungi of the genus Candida. This is usually associated with a deterioration in local and general immunity. According to studies, up to 90% of the adult population is carriers of this fungus, but the disease most often does not develop, since under normal conditions the pathogen does not act aggressively.

Causes of candidiasis

Thrush in the mouth in an adult is a mucosal lesion that may indicate serious health problems. For the reproduction of the fungus, special conditions are necessary. Most often, the disease occurs in patients who neglect oral hygiene. The presence of caries, inflammatory gum disease increases the chances of developing fungal inflammation. This is due to the fact that a large number of pathogenic microorganisms depletes the defense mechanisms.

The second group of reasons is the weakening of the immune system due to a number of diseases and conditions:

HIV, diabetes mellitus;
oncological diseases;
dystrophy, deficiency of vitamins, minerals;
surgeries, severe infections, etc.

There are also specific reasons for the development of thrush. It may appear after prolonged and powerful antibiotic therapy. The use of antibiotics leads to the destruction of beneficial flora and imbalance. This causes the active reproduction of Candida.

Oral candidiasis also develops against the background of inhaled corticosteroids. Usually the lesion has the appearance of erythema and appears in areas where the drug has come into contact with the mucosa: in the palate, tongue.

Features of the diet affect the likelihood of developing candidiasis. So, the predominance of carbohydrates predisposes to the activity of the fungus. The growth of Candida and its attachment to the mucosa are enhanced in the presence of sugars.

Bad habits increase the chances of developing leukoplakia, lichen planus and other diseases. Especially when it comes to smoking. Candidiasis often develops in patients with tongue piercings.

The presence of removable dentures is also a risk factor if the patient does not follow the rules of hygiene. In the absence of high-quality cleansing, the prosthesis is covered with a biofilm, which contains a lot of fungi. Disinfection is the main measure for the prevention of the disease and part of the complex treatment for progressive oral candidiasis. If the patient does not remove the structure at night, this also increases the likelihood of developing the disease. The mucous membrane remains without oxygen for a long time, is not washed by saliva - these conditions are suitable for the development of fungi and anaerobic microorganisms. The prosthesis can injure the mucous membranes if it does not fit. Microtraumas weaken local defenses and contribute to the onset of the development of a fungal infection. Injuries can also be associated with sharp chipped teeth and fillings, chemical and thermal burns.

Dryness of the oral cavity due to decreased salivation, changes in the viscosity of saliva, its composition is one of the causes of candidiasis. This may be due to other diseases, so it is important to find out the causes of dryness in order to effectively deal with the consequences.

Oral candidiasis is more common in children. The immaturity of the immune system, the colonization of the oral cavity by Candida from the vaginal canal of the mother during natural childbirth lead to the fact that the disease develops in early infancy. However, older children can also suffer from an illness, which is associated with a weakening of the immune forces.

Types of oral candidiasis and symptoms

Manifestations of oral candidiasis may vary from patient to patient. This is due to the degree of damage to the mucous membranes, as well as the specific type of disease. There are four forms:

acute pseudomembranous;
acute atrophic;
chronic atrophic;
chronic hyperplastic.

Although the treatment regimen for all forms is almost the same, the symptoms can vary significantly. Let's consider them in more detail.

Acute pseudomembranous candidiasis

This form of oral candidiasis may be asymptomatic. There is slight discomfort due to a white film or small plaques rising above the mucosa. With a mild course, one or more plaques appear, they are easily removed by scraping, and the mucosal area under them has a bright red color. In severe cases, large plaques appear in large numbers. They can merge, forming large areas of damage. Sometimes the symptoms cover the entire mucous membrane. When the plaques thicken, their removal becomes problematic. A severe course is more typical for infants, as well as in adult patients after antibiotic therapy, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants.

Acute and chronic atrophic candidiasis

Acute atrophic candidiasis is accompanied by severe burning. There may be no white plaque, and the mucous membrane becomes bright red. Many patients report a metallic, sour, salty, or bitter taste in their mouths. A characteristic manifestation of the disease is dry mouth. This form of the disease is often associated with drug therapy.

In chronic atrophic candidiasis, redness and burning are less pronounced. Usually the disease develops against the background of the installation and wearing of prostheses.

Chronic hyperplastic candidiasis

This form of the disease is typical for adults. Oral thrush can spread to the mucous membranes of the cheeks, the corners of the mouth and lips, the back of the tongue, and the soft palate. One of the symptoms is the appearance of white plaques that tend to merge with each other. As the disease progresses, their surface becomes rough, rough. Over time, the elements may turn yellow. Formations merge with mucous membranes and it is impossible to remove them.

Diagnostic methods

Treatment by a general dentist. Diagnosis begins with an examination and a detailed survey: the doctor will find out what drugs you have taken recently, whether there are chronic and infectious diseases. A cytological examination of plaque taken from the mucosa is mandatory. This is important because the accumulation of non-fungal flora can be easily confused with a fungal infection.

Scraping is performed in the morning, on an empty stomach, it is not necessary to brush your teeth before the procedure. On the eve, it is important to refuse to eat foods rich in carbohydrates so as not to provoke the growth of pathogenic flora. Studies allow not only to accurately determine the pathogen and type of Candida fungus, but also to find out the sensitivity of fungi to the main antifungal drugs. Based on the results of the tests, the doctor will determine the fungus in the oral cavity and prescribe medication.

Features of treatment

The basis of treatment is systemic and local antifungal drugs. Today they are widely represented on the pharmaceutical market, but it is important to know that the level of Candida fungus resistance to fixed assets is growing every year. For example, resistance to drugs such as Fluconazole is almost complete. Previously, this remedy was used in almost all cases of the disease, but today doctors are forced to revise standard treatment regimens.

Treatment of thrush in the mouth in adults is selected individually. The choice of a systemic antifungal agent is based on the type of pathogen, the patient's condition and the individual characteristics of his health. There are agents to which the infection has minimal resistance. The doctor may prescribe drugs based on nystatin, imidazole derivatives, etc.

In addition, local funds must be used:

mouth rinses;
gels and suspensions for application to affected areas;
topical lozenges and lozenges;
irrigation solutions and aerosols;
ointments for laying in the oral cavity on a cotton-gauze swab, etc.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe an over-the-counter antiseptic or mild saline rinse. Usually, solutions based on iodine, chlorhexidine, potassium permanganate, gentian violet, sodium tetraborate in glycerin are used. Some pills the doctor may recommend laying on the cheek.

Conditions for effective treatment

Effective treatment of oral thrush involves addressing the underlying cause. It is very important to sanitize the oral cavity: to cure teeth destroyed by caries, to remove non-viable teeth and roots that can no longer be restored. These are chronic foci of inflammation, so simultaneous sanitation will shorten the treatment time. Tartar and plaque should also be removed. This is especially true in cases of candidal stomatitis associated with trauma to the gums with sharp edges of hard dental deposits.

Patients with removable dentures should be retrained in hygiene and disinfection of prosthetic structures. If the time of using the prosthesis comes to an end, it is important to replace it in a timely manner. Treatment of candidiasis will be useless if a person uses the prosthesis incorrectly and again creates conditions for the reproduction of fungi in the oral cavity.

Unsuitable crowns, bridges and other structures are also subject to replacement. It is also important to eliminate enamel chips, which become a source of injury to the gums, mucous membranes of the cheeks and tongue.

Smokers should, if possible, reduce their smoking episodes or give up smoking habits. If the disease developed while taking corticosteroids, it is important to explain the rules of treatment: you should rinse your mouth with plenty of warm water after spraying the drug.

In the treatment of oral candidiasis that has developed against the background of antibiotic therapy, measures should be taken to restore the normal microflora of the intestine and oral cavity. It may be necessary to consult another narrow specialist or therapist: you will need to take probiotics and prebiotics.

For all patients treated for candidiasis, a few general guidelines apply:

maintaining oral hygiene;
refusal of food rich in carbohydrates;
Refusal of sugary drinks.

It is necessary to exclude from the diet food that can irritate the mucous membranes: dishes cooked with vinegar, marinades, spicy, peppery foods, smoked meats, sour fruits and berries. Also, you can not eat confectionery, pastries with yeast, sugar. It is better to give preference to warm dishes. It is necessary to observe such a diet for another 1.5-2 months after recovery.

In some cases, it is advisable to use toothpastes with glucose oxidase, lysozyme, lactoferrin. They improve the protective forces of the oral mucosa and can be part of a comprehensive prevention of inflammation. The choice of toothpaste must be agreed with the doctor, he will recommend the best remedy, and also tell you which brush is suitable.

Prevention of candidiasis

Specific prophylaxis of oral candidiasis is carried out only in the presence of HIV infection, the patient undergoing radiation therapy, immunosuppressive or antibiotic therapy. In the absence of these risk factors, the doctor will make recommendations for a specific case.

Prevention of fungal diseases in patients with diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma, chronic systemic diseases involves control of the underlying pathology. It is important to regularly see a doctor of your profile, take the prescribed funds.

If antibiotic therapy is necessary, the following rules must be followed:

take antibiotics only as directed by your doctor;
observe a sufficient duration of the course of treatment - do not cancel self-prescribed drugs when relief occurs;
if a long course of treatment is needed or if repeated antibiotic therapy is required, take the prescribed antifungal agents for prophylaxis.

When treating asthma, ask your doctor about using nebulizers. After inhalation, it is important to rinse the mouth in order to prevent the negative effects of the drug components on the mucous membranes.

If oral candidiasis often recurs, it is better to undergo a comprehensive examination: a standard medical examination or use specific diagnostic methods that the doctor will select. Fungal infections of the mucous membranes can be a manifestation of an underlying disease that you do not know about. Consult a therapist to find out the exact causes and take action in time.

Thrush in the mouth in adults: symptoms, treatment - ROOTT

Causes Types Danger Treatment Remedial measures Drugs against thrush

Oral candidiasis (thrush) is an infectious disease of the mucous membranes. It is caused by a fungus of the genus Candida.

Mucous membranes are covered with whitish plaques resembling curd mass. Patients have unpleasant sensations in the mouth, a burning sensation. Eating, sometimes even speaking, becomes painful. Patients complain of dry mouth and bad breath.

Thrush is very common in infants but is easily tolerated and heals quickly. It often occurs in people with dentures, those taking corticosteroids, or undergoing chemotherapy.

Causes of the disease

Yeast fungi are present in the body of any person. Under the influence of certain factors, they begin to multiply uncontrollably.

Thrush in the mouth is caused by:

Hormonal changes, e. g. during pregnancy
Taking certain medications
Weakening of immunity due to illness
Inadequate oral hygiene
Mucosal injuries
High carbohydrate diet
Taking contraceptives
Smoking
Candidiasis is contagious, it can be transmitted through shared utensils, kissing.

Classification

Symptoms of thrush manifest themselves in different ways, depending on the form of the disease. In dentistry, the following forms of candidiasis are distinguished:

Acute pseudomembranous - Mild form: the only symptom is the presence of plaque. If you scrape it off, a swollen, reddened mucous membrane is visible. - Moderate: plaque is difficult to remove, there are unpleasant sensations while eating. The submandibular lymph nodes are enlarged. - Severe form: extensive, off-white plaque. Signs of tissue infiltration. Plaques are removed with difficulty, bleeding mucous membrane is visible under them.
Acute atrophic Mucosa red, painful to touch, smooth. The plaque is dense, covers the cheeks from the inside, tongue, palate. The mouth is dry. There are teeth marks on the tongue. There may be a bitter, sour, metallic taste in the mouth. The acute course can become chronic, usually in patients with removable dentures. Therefore, its second name is prosthetic stomatitis. Under the prosthesis, the mucous membrane is dry, red. There is almost no plaque, but the pain syndrome is pronounced. On the back of the tongue papillae atrophy. This leads to a change in taste sensations. Sometimes atrophic candidiasis is called erythematous ("erythema" - redness).
Chronic hyperplastic It occurs only in adults, mainly in smokers. The coating is dirty gray, located in the corners of the lips, on the tongue. It scrapes off badly, has an unpleasant smell. The plaques merge, covering the mucosa almost completely. Saliva changes: it becomes viscous and foams. The most common such thrush in men.

Why is thrush dangerous? But candida is a yeast-like fungus, and, therefore, is capable of rapid reproduction, like any yeast. From the mucous membranes of the mouth, thrush can spread to the throat. This causes changes in the voice, makes it hoarse. Spreading to the esophagus, it provokes inflammation of the esophageal mucosa (esophagitis), making it painful for food to pass through it.

Untreated hyperplastic candidiasis develops into malignant neoplasms.

Most importantly, the reproduction of the fungus indicates a malfunction in the body's defenses.

Only a doctor is able to prescribe the necessary examination and, based on its results, prescribe the appropriate treatment for a fungal infection.

How to treat thrush

Successful treatment requires an accurate diagnosis. For this, a number of laboratory tests are prescribed. Bacteriological culture is mandatory. He will not only confirm the thrush, but also determine which type of fungus caused it. This is important when prescribing drugs. After a clinical examination, the dentist may recommend blood glucose or HIV testing.

Consultations with narrow specialists are recommended:

Endocrinologist To make sure there are no endocrine disorders.
Allergist To detect sensitivity to dentures.
Therapist To clarify the nature of somatic diseases.

Treatment of thrush in adults and children should be comprehensive and include activities aimed at strengthening general immunity, teaching adequate oral hygiene, and changing the diet.

Algorithm of therapeutic measures

For the best result, the intervention begins with the sanitation of the oral cavity. Carious teeth are treated by replacing the affected tissues with filling material. Remove hard plaque and tartar from enamel. Plaque is a hotbed of infection, it is necessary to get rid of it.
Eliminate factors that provoke candidiasis. Replace dentures if they cause an allergic reaction or do not fit well. Stop the exacerbation of common diseases. Take steps to improve your hormone levels. Conduct activities that increase immunity.
Administer antifungals based on culture results. Prescribed antihistamines, restorative agents, immunomodulators.
Give recommendations on the normalization of the microflora in the oral cavity.

To prevent relapses, it is useful to establish regular hygiene, exclude foods rich in fast carbohydrates and sugars from the diet. Restorative activities include physical activity and stress-reducing activities (hobbies). It is important not to take medicines uncontrollably, according to recommendations from the Internet or from friends.