Oral candidiasis or oral thrush is a commonly occurring opportunistic fungal infection. It is caused by the species of Candida, C. albicans primarily, that are found as normal flora in the human oral cavity. Although harmless with regular conditions, in individuals who have weakened immune systems, the overgrowth can cause uncomfortable symptoms and possibly even complications, explains an Orange Park general dentist. Let’s go through the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of oral candidiasis in detail in this complete guide.
Causes:
Weakened Immune System: People with a weakened immune system have an increased risk of developing oral candidiasis. Weakened immune systems include people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, or those undergoing chemotherapy.
Antibiotics. They may disrupt the balance of healthy microorganisms in your mouth. This allows Candida fungus to multiply and spread more easily.
Xerostomia: When you’re not making enough saliva, which can happen for a variety of reasons including taking some medications, sweating from exercising in hot weather without drinking water afterward, or having certain medical conditions.
Poor oral hygiene: Failure to practice proper and regular teeth cleaning can make you susceptible. When you forget or use dirty water in most cases Tooth brush, some yeast remains hence yielding multiple thus multiplying into millions of bacteria that prompt the growth of thrush.
Smoking: Smoking attenuates the immune system and damages oral mucosa, hence promoting an increased risk of oral candidiasis in smokers.
The wire from dentures: There are times when the wire from your partial and fixed dentures may further irritate the skin. This may lead to the invagination of candida albicans at that particular site of the mouth, causing the disease.
Symptoms of Oral Candidiasis:
Creamy White Patches: The tell-tale sign of oral thrush is the cream, white, or curd-like patches that form on the tongue, inside cheeks, palate, or throat. These patches may look like cottage cheese, and they will easily wipe away; when this happens, the red and inflamed tissue underneath will be exposed.
Painful or Soreness: The affected areas may be painful, and this discomfort might extend to your throat while eating and swallowing. They may also look redder than usual
Altered Taste Sensation: Reduced taste perception or altered taste sensation may be reported by some people with oral candidiasis.
Cracks and Bleeding: In more severe cases, the oral mucosa can become cracked and cause small amounts of blood when irritated.
It is important to know the causes and symptoms of oral candidiasis to identify and treat the disease.