Oral Thrush

What is Oral Thrush?

Oral Thrush, also known as Oral Candidosis, is a yeast infection caused by a fungus known as Candida. People who use dentures and corticosteroid inhalers are at an increased risk of developing oral thrush.

Unlike other fungal infections, such as athletes foot, Oral Thrush is not contagious and relatively easy to treat.

Symptoms of Oral Thrush are:

• Burning sensation in the mouth
• Cracks in the corners of the mouth
• Loss of taste
• Oral pain
• Redness inside the mouth and throat
• Unpleasant taste
• White patches in the mouth which, when wiped off, may cause mild bleeding

If left untreated, the fungus can be passed to the bloodstream and infect other areas of your body such as your brain, liver and heart.

Oral Thrush can be diagnosed based on the clinical signs, such as the white blotches in the mouth. A sample of the lesion may be taken and examined under a microscope. Your doctor may take a blood sample to determine any underlying medical condition which may make you more susceptible to the condition.

If you are suffering from Oral Thrush, especially if it is affecting your ability to eat or drink, speak to your doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment for you.

What causes Oral Thrush?

Oral Thrush occurs when a natural fungus (Candida) multiplies exponentially. You are at an increased risk of developing Oral Thrush if any of the following applies to you:

• Diabetes
• Dry mouth from a medical condition or treatment
• HIV
• Iron deficiency
• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking
• Taking antibiotics
• Underactive Thyroid
• Undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy to treat cancer
• Using inhaled corticosteroids (preventer asthma inhalers)
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Wearing ill-fitting dentures

While Candida, the fungus which causes Oral Thrush, can be passed on between adults when kissing, it is unlikely to cause an infection unless they are already at risk of developing the condition.

If you have Oral Thrush, it is recommended to abstain from kissing or engaging in oral sex until the infection has completely cleared.

Oral Thrush can also be passed between mother and infant when breastfeeding. In this instance, both mother and child can become infected and should be treated accordingly.

How can Oral Thrush be prevented?

Oral Thrush can be prevented by practising good hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth and flossing daily, especially if you are at an increased risk of developing the condition.

If you use an inhaled corticosteroid, make sure you rinse your mouth out after using it. This will clear the medicine from your mouth and prevent the build up of the condition.

Reducing your intake of food and drink which contains yeast, such as beer, bread, and wine, can also prevent the condition from developing.

If you have recurring episodes of Oral Thrush, speak to your doctor. They may refer you for tests to determine whether you have an underlying condition which may put you at an increased risk of developing the condition.

What treatments are available for Oral Thrush?

Antifungal medicines are often used to treat Thrush. These work by killing the cells of the fungus, which clears the infection.

There are a number of antifungal treatments which can be acquired from your local pharmacy or prescribed by a doctor.

Nystan Oral Suspension is one such antifungal treatment. This medicine is held in the mouth for a short period time, where it acts upon the fungal cells.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about the most appropriate Oral Thrush treatment for you.

Table of contents

What is Oral Thrush?

What causes Oral Thrush?

How can Oral Thrush be prevented?

What treatments are available for Oral Thrush?