Thrush is a fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of a yeast known as Candida. This yeast typically resides on our skin and inside our bodies without causing any harm. However, when conditions change, such as when the immune system is compromised, Candida can multiply in moist areas, leading to an infection. When this occurs in the mouth and throat, it is referred to as oral thrush or oral candidiasis.
One of the main signs of thrush is the appearance of white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and throat. You might also notice redness and soreness. The usual treatment for thrush involves antifungal medication.
While thrush is rare in healthy adults, it is more common in certain groups, like infants, denture wearers, and individuals with diabetes.
Symptoms can vary depending on how severe the infection is and can be particularly common in infants due to their developing immune systems. An overgrowth of Candida albicans, which naturally lives in the mouth, digestive tract, and on the skin, causes thrush. Normally, the immune system and beneficial bacteria keep this fungus in check. But if the immune system is weakened or beneficial bacteria are lacking, Candida can proliferate and cause thrush.
Various health conditions, medications, and lifestyle habits that weaken the immune system or disrupt the mouth’s natural balance of bacteria, fungi, and saliva can lead to thrush. Although anyone can get thrush, certain factors may make you more susceptible.
Healthcare providers can often diagnose thrush by examining the mouth and throat for characteristic signs, like white patches. In some cases, they might scrape a sore to get a sample for lab testing. Severe cases can sometimes involve the esophagus, especially in people with HIV/AIDS.
Treatment usually involves antifungal medication, tailored to either mild or severe infections and your overall health. Thrush typically resolves within one to two weeks of starting treatment.
In addition to medication, some might find that over-the-counter probiotics help. It’s best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if at-home treatments would be effective alongside other treatments. For those at higher risk, or if thrush is recurrent, a provider might suggest a regular antifungal to prevent future infections.
Preventative measures like managing blood sugar levels for diabetics or rinsing your mouth after using inhaled corticosteroids can also help. Practicing good oral hygiene is generally the primary preventive approach.
One potential complication of oral thrush is its ability to spread to the esophagus, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. If not treated, thrush can lead to more serious issues, such as systemic candidiasis, which affects the blood, brain, eyes, and other body parts, posing significant health risks.
Most cases of thrush are resolved successfully with antifungal treatment. While waiting for the infection to clear, some remedies like gargling with apple cider vinegar may alleviate symptoms, and opting for less irritating foods can also help.
If symptoms persist despite treatment, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider. Oral thrush itself is not contagious, although kissing can spread yeast, potentially causing thrush in others if they have risk factors. Maintaining oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinsing with water or saltwater can help manage discomfort and maintain oral health.
