Oral thrush - Pilinfection in the Mouth

Oral thrush is one of the most common forms of thrush , a pelvic disease that can attack the skin and mucous membranes and is triggered by the yeast fungus Candida. The conception for all infections caused by this fungus is Candidose. 

Oral thrush is therefore also referred to as oral candidiasis. Pilinfection can occur on or in the mouth or in the area of ​​the throat. Often babies affected, but also in adults with weak immune systems, the infection is often observed. Read here how you can recognize and treat Mundsoor.

Forms of Candidiasis in the Mouth

Oral thrush is defined as a thrush in or on the mouth. Typically, the mouth fungus develops on the inside of the cheeks or lips. But also the throat, the tongue (tongue) or the palate may be affected.

Mundsoor can occur in different forms, whereby one form of oral thrush can also develop from another. These are the different types of thrush in the mouth and their signs:

Pseudomembranous candidiasis: white, erasable coating on reddened, inflamed mucosa

Acute erythematosis Candidosis: burning, strongly reddened mucous membrane without pads, especially on the tongue

In the most common form of oral thrush, the pseudomembranous candididosis, isolated white speckles are formed in the oral cavity, which can be easily detached. Underneath, the oral mucosa appears mostly shiny, dry and red. 

In the course of the pilin infection, larger white, creamy-looking spots are formed, which can lead to bleeding of the mucous membrane when detached. Untreated may be oral thrush on the throat, the esophagus (thrush esophagitis) or the gastrointestinal tract .

Other Symptoms of Oral Thrush

In addition to the described deposits and reddening of the mucous membrane, oral thrush - especially 

in the advanced stage - can cause further symptoms. 

This includes:

Furry or burning sensation in the mouth

dry mouth

Increased thirst

halitosis

Unpleasant or metallic taste in the mouth

Swollen lymph nodes

Difficulty swallowing or pain during eating or drinking (especially in babies or spreading on pharynx and esophagus)

Vomiting or heartburn may be associated with untreated oral thrush . 

In contrast to the mouth rot, which is triggered by the herpes simplex virus, oral thrush in children is accompanied by slight fever.

Causes and risk Factors

Causes of oral thrush are always the Candida fungi belonging to the yeast fungi, mostly Candida albicans. In many healthy people, fungi are found in the oral cavity, intestine, or skin, and are usually not damaged as long as they are kept in check by the immune system and the other microorganisms. However, if they find a gap in this body-defenses, they can multiply quickly and lead to discomfort.

Therefore, oral thrush often affects persons with a weakened immune system. This includes, in particular, babies, elderly people or persons suffering from diseases such as cancer , HIV or diabetes .

Frequent triggers of oral thrush

In babies, oral thrush is often a contagion with the mother to the cause - often infect themselves with the birth with an unnoticed vaginal fungus of the mother or later over the pacifier. Often, oral thrush occurs with babies together with Windelsoor , a soor-infection in the diaper area.

In adults, missing teeth, braces, or a bad-sitting tooth prosthesis often cause irritation to the oral mucosa. The fungi then nest under the prosthesis, for example, or enter the oral mucosa by injuries. Also smoking and a dry mouth can promote the development of oral thrush.

In addition, the long-term use of certain medicines is one of the possible triggers of oral thrush. Antibiotics , cortisone (for example in the form of cortisone spray for asthma ) and cytostatic (during chemotherapy ) the immune system or the oral flora can upset the balance and the development of fungal infection paves the way.

Diagnosis by means of characteristic symptoms

As a rule, the diagnosis of oral thrush is based on the characteristic, mostly visible symptoms, especially in small children. In addition, there is usually a questionnaire (or the parents' question) about the complaints, the accompanying circumstances and previous medical conditions. The diagnosis can be given by a dentist or dermatologist as well as by a pediatrician or general practitioner.

For a clear diagnosis a smear is usually made from the oral mucosa and examined microscopically. In addition, fungal cultures can be grown to determine the exact nature of the Candida fungus. This may be particularly necessary if the disease is not responding to a drug treatment as expected and a change of medication is considered.

In the ideal case, the doctor also clarifies where the entrance to the mushroom is located and treats the corresponding injury in the mouth. If diseases are responsible for the weakening of the immune system, these should also be treated.

Treat oral thrush

For the treatment of oral thrush, the doctor usually prescribes antifungal agents (antimycotics) especially suitable for the mouth area. Frequently, these contain the active ingredients nystatin , miconazole or amphotericin B. Often, the drugs are in the form of lozenges, gels, mouthwashes or suspensions. The agent should remain as long as possible in the mouth.

In the therapy of oral thrush, it is important to adhere strictly to the doctor's prescribed dosage of medication as well as the duration of therapy. Even if no covering is visible, the therapy must be completed as intended. Aborting may cause the fungus to return or even spread to other areas.

Experts strongly advise against the unauthorized treatment of the mouth fungus. Home remedies such as gargling with chamomile tea can aggravate the infection by further drying the oral mucosa.

Beware, contagious!

To fight oral thrush, good oral hygiene is essential. As Candida fungi are often hiding in caries affected by tooth decay, the brushing should be done particularly conscientiously during the treatment of the oral cavity. Dental prostheses, pacifiers, teats, toothbrushes or braces should be thoroughly sterilized or replaced if possible.

Be careful not to touch other people in your environment. Already a kiss or the sharing of dishes can be enough to transfer the Candida fungus or Allergy.

Oral thrush is often persistent, but can usually be treated with these measures within eight to ten days. If the pelvic disease does not go away for a longer period of time, stronger drugs are usually used.

Prevention: Hygiene is the Key

Risk groups can take various measures to prevent a mouth infection. Hygiene is of paramount importance. In concrete terms, the following measures help prevent the mouth worm:

Carriers of dentures should thoroughly clean them after each meal and make sure that the prostheses are properly seated. It is also recommended to clean these two to three times a week with the cleaning tablets provided.

In the case of immuno-compromised people (for example during chemotherapy), an anti-mycotic is often prescribed for the prevention of oral thrush.

If people are fed artificially or for other reasons their flow of saliva is greatly diminished, the nursing staff usually operates a so-called thrush and parotitroprophylaxis. This includes, for example, regular moistening of the mucous membranes of the person concerned.

For babies, pacifiers, teats and toys that are put into the mouth should be cleaned regularly and thoroughly. Remember that parental saliva can also be a potential source of infection for the child. To "clean" a falling pacifier with its own saliva, can thus even favor the infection.

Since babies often infect with Candida fungi by an undetected vaginal fungus of the mother at birth, appropriate treatment of the mother before birth can be recommended.

Breastfeeding mothers often suffer from a nourishing of the nipples (brustsoor). In order to prevent infected women from infecting their child, they should temporarily not breastfeed and may also include the baby in the treatment of the baby. Keep in mind that infection can occur in both directions.

In general, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately in case of suspicion of oral thrush in order to prevent the spread of the fungus on the pharynx and the esophagus or contamination of other persons.