Oral Thrush (Candida Albicans)
Oral Thrush
This fungus microbe is naturally present inside the mouth but if resistance to infection is low, it can multiply out of control. It has been called ‘the disease of the diseased’.
What to look for
- A burning or swelling feeling in the mouth, especially when eating spicy foods
- The skin inside the mouth is usually covered with white, yellow, or red patches. If you try to remove the white patches with a clean cloth, they will come off, but sometimes leave a bleeding red surface underneath. In some people they may not come off easily. In a few people, there are no white patches. Instead, the skin of the mouth is red and blotchy. It may look very rough
- Sometimes there are painful cracks at the corners of the mouth that will not heal and sometimes bleed
Treatment
Gently scrub the tongue and gums with a clean cloth or soft toothbrush 3 – 4 times daily. Then rinse with salt water and spit out.
Address possible causes e.g. malnutrition or stopping antibiotic use.
Antifungal medications, which are generally taken for 10 to 14 days, are often prescribed to treat thrush. These medicines are available as tablets, lozenges or liquids (see p.53 of the Teeth Relief manual).
Risk factors
Age – It occurs most commonly in the very young or the elderly
Conditions – that cause dry mouth
Malnutrition
medications – antibiotics or oral steroids
Impaired immune systems – those who are sick – such as diabetes, HIV
HIV – thrush is the most common infection in the mouth seen in people with HIV AIDS
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