Thrush

Oral thrush is a condition in which a fungus called Candida Albicans accumulates in the lining of your mouth. It causes creamy white lesions that can be very painful and bleed slightly when you scrape them or brush your teeth. The lesions are usually on your tongue or inner cheeks, the roof of your mouth, the gums, and the back of the throat.

What Causes Oral Thrush

Your immune system keeps a perfect balance of thousands of micro organisms in your body. However, your immune system may be weakened by disease or drugs disturbing this natural balance. This may in turn lead to an excess of the bacteria Candida causing oral thrush. Some common illnesses that can make you more susceptible to oral thrush include:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Vaginal yeast infection,
• HIV/AIDS,
• Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, and
• Cancer

The symptoms of oral thrush are the creamy white lesions on your tongue and inner cheeks. The lesions resemble cottage cheese and can be very painful and bleed. If they are not checked, the lesions can spread downward into your esophagus when you may experience difficulty swallowing or feel as if food is getting stuck in your throat.

Treatment of Oral Thrush

The goal of oral thrush treatment is to stop the rapid spread of the fungus. How this is done will mainly depend on your age and the cause of the infection. Some of the methods used to treat oral thrush include:

• Drinking unsweetened yogurt to restore the natural balance of bacteria in the body,or pregnant women and babies, a mild antifungal medication may be used to reduce transfer from the mother’s nipples to the baby,
• Using acidophilus capsules,
• Antifungal medication which may come in the form of lozenges, tables or liquid, and
• The drug amphotericin B for those with weakened immune systems

Prevention of Oral Thrush

Following any of the measures below can reduce your chances of getting thrush:

• Use fresh culture yogurt or acidophilus capsules when you take antibiotics,
• Treat vaginal yeast infections especially during pregnancy,
• Rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after taking medication,
• Visit your dentist regularly, and
• Watch your diet. Limit the amount of sugar and yeast containing foods that you eat such as bread, beer and wine as these may encourage the growth of Candida.

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