What is oral thrush?
Oral thrush is a fungal infection that develops inside the mouth. It is relatively common in babies, older adults, and people who use steroid medications, including steroid inhalers.
What does oral thrush look like?
Oral thrush can appear in a few different ways. One of the most common signs is a white, patchy area on the inside of the cheek, under the tongue, or elsewhere in the mouth.
These white patches may sometimes wipe away when gently rubbed with gauze or a soft washcloth, leaving a red or irritated area underneath. However, any unusual white or red patch in the mouth should be evaluated by a dental or medical professional rather than diagnosed at home.
What are the most common symptoms of oral thrush?
Common oral thrush symptoms may include:
- White patches or a white film inside the mouth
- Red or irritated tissue beneath the patches
- A burning sensation in the mouth
- Tenderness or discomfort involving the tongue or cheeks
- Soreness when eating or drinking
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, so it is important to have persistent or uncomfortable changes examined.
What causes oral thrush?
Oral thrush is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans. This fungus can normally live in the mouth without causing problems. Thrush develops when something disrupts the natural balance and allows the fungus to grow excessively.
Oral thrush may be more likely to develop in:
- Babies and older adults
- People with weakened immune systems
- People who have recently been sick
- Patients who use steroid inhalers or other steroid medications
- Denture wearers who do not remove and clean their dentures regularly
Wearing dentures continuously can create a warm, moist environment where fungus can grow. Removing dentures at night and cleaning them properly may help reduce this risk.
What does early-stage oral thrush look like?
Early-stage oral thrush may appear as a white film or small white patches on the tongue, cheeks, gums, or roof of the mouth. In some cases, it may appear as a red, irritated area instead of a white patch.
Because several oral conditions can have a similar appearance, it is important to have the area examined. At Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center, we can evaluate the tissues, discuss your symptoms, and determine whether additional testing or treatment may be needed.
Is oral thrush contagious?
Oral thrush is generally not considered highly contagious in healthy adults. The fungus that causes it commonly lives in the mouth already, but it usually does not cause an infection unless the natural balance in the mouth is disrupted.
People with weakened immune systems, those who have recently been ill, and patients who use steroid inhalers may be more likely to develop oral thrush. Rinsing the mouth after using a steroid inhaler may help reduce the risk.
How is oral thrush treated?
Oral thrush is usually treated with antifungal medication. In many cases, we prescribe an antifungal mouth rinse or another topical medication that is used for approximately two weeks.
More severe or persistent infections may require an oral antifungal medication. The appropriate treatment depends on the severity of the infection, your symptoms, and your overall health.
Can you treat oral thrush over the counter?
Some over-the-counter products may help soothe irritation, but it is best to have suspected oral thrush evaluated before attempting treatment. Other oral conditions can resemble thrush, and using the wrong product may delay the correct diagnosis.
If you believe you may have oral thrush, schedule an examination with Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center. We can evaluate the area and discuss the most appropriate treatment options.
What happens if oral thrush is left untreated?
If oral thrush is left untreated, the infection may become more uncomfortable or spread farther into the mouth and throat. This can make swallowing or eating more difficult, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
Contact Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center if you notice persistent white patches, redness, burning, or other symptoms that may indicate oral thrush. Early evaluation can help prevent the infection from becoming more severe.
Can babies and older adults get oral thrush?
Yes. Babies and older adults are among the groups most likely to develop oral thrush because their immune systems may be more vulnerable to fungal overgrowth.
Babies with oral thrush may develop white patches inside the mouth and may become uncomfortable while feeding. Older adults may be at greater risk because of dentures, medications, dry mouth, health conditions, or a weakened immune system.
If you suspect oral thrush in a baby or an older adult, seek professional guidance. Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center can evaluate oral symptoms and help determine the appropriate next steps.
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