Causes, Symptoms and Treatment for a Mouth Yeast Infection

- Causes and Symptoms

As with all other cases of Candidiasis, a mouth yeast infection or oral thrush takes place when yeast bacteria multiply uncontrollably and the body cannot fight them. This disease commonly affects young children and older people. Those with weak immune systems because of AIDS or HIV are also prone to developing Candidiasis in the mouth.

Candida is present in the oral cavity of almost half of the population but the problem begins when there is an overgrowth. People who wear dentures will have Candida but it does not mean that they suffer ill effects all the time. Those with ill fitting dentures on the other hand can sustain breaks in the mucous membranes in their mouth which can pretty much serve as a gateway for Candida. Candida doesn't post a problem unless there is a change in the chemistry of the oral cavity that encourages Candida over the micro-organisms that are present.

Mouth yeast infection may be one of the side effects of taking antibiotics, oral steroid or specific drug treatment such as chemotherapy. Conditions such as diabetes or any other metabolic disorder, malnutrition, drug abuse and immune deficiencies can also be the culprit for yeast flare-up.

People who are suffering from this problem normally have moist, pale pink spots on their lips. Others tend to develop white, cream coloured or yellow spots in the mouth. These spots are slightly raised but there is typically no pain in the area underneath the spots. If the spots are scraped, they are going to leave small wounds that bleed slightly. In adults, oral thrush can cause an uncomfortable burning sensation in the mouth and throat.

- Treatment

If your baby has mouth yeast infection, this may clear out spontaneously without medical intervention. You can prevent it by sterilizing all feeding equipment and mouth toys. Experts suggest giving the child sterilized water immediately following milk feed to rinse away residual milk. This will help reduce the population of candida within the oral cavity.

Those with weakened immune systems may need deeper management. Antifungal medications are prescribed and should be taken for ten to fourteen days depending on the severity of the symptoms. These medicines are available in tablets, liquids or lozenges. Your doctor will have a specific treatment approach based on your age and the root cause of the infection. Oral thrush may be an indication of other medical problems.

While on the treatment, it's important for you to follow good oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Avoid using mouth sprays or mouthwash for the time being because they have the tendency to disturb the normal balance of micro-organisms in your mouth. Lastly, to prevent mouth yeast infection, limit the amount of your sugar intake and foods or drinks that contain high amount of yeast such as bread, beer and wine.