Oral thrush is caused by a fungal infection, it occurs by the accumulation of a fungus known as Candida albicans.
Another familiar name for Oral Thrush is Oral Candidiasis.
Oral thrush is actually self diagnosable meaning that an individual with oral thrush can easily know his or her tongue is tending to an unhealthy status.
The picture below would give you a glimpse of what oral thrush looks like.
A mouth infected by Candida albicans
It is characterized by white lesions on the tongue and inner cheeks as you can see from the picture above.
As we all familiar with the fact that certain organisms are present in our bodies, Candida albicans is not left out and is found in your mouth but when there is an overgrowth of this organism it poses a problem and results to Oral Candidiasis
The tongue alone isn't what is affected but other parts of the mouth such as the roof of the mouth, the gum, the tonsils, the back of the throat, etc is infected by Candida albicans
New borns are infected by mothers who have vaginal yeast infections during vaginal delivery and post symptoms could be seen within ten days.
Persons susceptible to oral thrush
The elderly, the newborns, mothers and immunodeficient are the sets of individuals that are most susceptible to coming down with oral thrush.
- Because at an old age, the immune system becomes weak.
- The immunodeficient individuals suffering from conditions such as HIV/AIDs, Cancer, Untreated Diabetes, Vaginal yeast infections etc easily come down with oral thrush because the immune system is overworked already.
- Mothers are infected by their babies during breastfeeding.
- Newborns are infected during vaginal delivery
Yeast infected vagina
Creamy white lesions accumulates in the mouth of a newborn
Major symptoms and signs
- Presence of white lesions on the tongue which is mostly creamy, this could as well be present in other parts of the mouth.
- When lesions are scraped, the presence of blood is a sign.
- When you feel a cotton like substance in uour mouth.
- When you easily loose taste.
- When you find it difficult to swallow and eat because of the pains, soreness and irritation.
Major Cause
A failing immune system( immunodeficiency)
Prevention
- Form the habit of brushing your teeth regulary at most two times daily.
- For diabetics please control your sugar level why because the amount of sugar in saliva can support the growth of Candida albicans
- In a nutshell practice good oral hygiene.
Treatment
It is very key to stop the spread and accumulation of this organism, hence it is important to see a Doctor or Dentist.
- Antifungal drugs is the class of drug used in the treatment of Oral thrush.
Topical antifungals such as Nystatin are effective, liquid forms of this antifungals could as well be administered e.g Fluconazole. - For mothers whos breast is infected an antifungal cream could be prescribed and a mild antifungal agent for a baby.
This image is a summary on Oral thrush you could save it and pass the message across to all
Secrets your tongue reveals about your health
If you enjoyed reading this health post please do UPVOTE ME, COMMENT, RESTEEM AND FOLLOW ME 