Definition
Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection of the mouth that may spread to your gums or tonsils, or the back of your throat.
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Causes
Oral thrush is caused by an overgrowth of the usually harmless fungus called Candida (Candida albicans) in your mouth. The imbalance in Candida is usually triggered by:
- Weakened immunity especially in newborns, older populations, people with cancer or with HIV/AIDS
- Large amounts of sugar in your saliva as with uncontrolled diabetes
- Vaginal yeast infections which can be passed to your baby
- Medications such as antibiotics that can alter the natural balance of microorganisms in your body
- Wearing dentures
- Using asthma inhalers
Symptoms
Common symptoms of oral thrush to look out for are:
- Creamy white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth (palate), gums, back of the throat and tonsils
- Red, swollen or irritated lesions around the infected area
- Cracked or red corners of your mouth
- Difficult or painful swallowing and eating
- Mild to moderate loss of taste
- Pain under dentures (denture stomatitis)