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Is Oral Thrush A Serious Condition & Can It Be Reversed?

Thrush (also called Candidiasis or moniliasis) is a fungal infection of the mouth that occurs when the yeast Candida albicans reproduce uncontrollably in large numbers. It is not contagious and usually treated successfully with antifungal medication and is typically noted in the denture wearers.

Most people (involving children) easily have Candida in their mouths and digestive tracts, which is believed as regular growth. The amount of this fungus in the body is controlled by a healthy immune system and some “good” bacteria. Controlling candidiasis means focusing on preventing or controlling the condition that causes the outbreak.

Is Oral Thrush A Serious Condition?

If you detect a peculiar white rash in the inner part of your mouth, you may have an ailment called oral thrush. It causes creamy white lesions, usually on your tongue or inner cheeks and in rare occasions progresses to the surface of the mouth. It is triggered by the fungus Candida albicans however, it may also be instigated by Candida glabrata or Candida tropicalis.

Thrush happens when the Candida fungus multiplies inside your mouth and throat when your immune systems are not yet strong enough to control the growth of the yeast. You are more prone to this condition when you have any one or combination of the following

Poor Health – In general, when you have poor health, you will encounter an inability to perform your physical, mental and social needs. Poor health is the leading contributor to developing illnesses and other health problems.

Old Age And Young Babies – Oral thrush is more likely to occur in infants and older adults due to reduced immunity or have an impaired immune system

HIV Or AIDS– Oral thrush tends to occur when CD4 count is low or your immune system is weakened. Researchers found that people with HIV have fewer healthy fungi in their mouths to destroy infected fungi. Perhaps, repeated bouts of oral candidiasis could be the first sign of HIV infection.1,2

Cancer Patients And Patients Receiving Chemotherapy – The risk of oral thrush is most likely higher in people who have a weakened immune system that developed due to chronic conditions.

People With Diabetic MellitusIn diabetes patients, the sugar levels in saliva are very high and this can often lead to oral thrush. Thrush can trigger white or red spots on your tongue and within your cheeks. Occasionally, they transform into open sores.3

For people with lowered immunity, thrush can be more serious. The condition left untreated leads to serious complications.

Is Oral Thrush Reversible?

It’s essential to care for oral thrush as soon as possible to control the disease. Physicians often recommend antifungal treatments in the form of mouthwashes, pills, or lozenges. If the condition is caused by something reversible, such as taking antibiotics, smoking, poorly fitted dentures, or weakly restricted diabetes, these aspects should be rectified as a component of the therapy.

Babies and small children may not require treatment. However, if this condition persists for more than two weeks, they are treated with antifungal medication. In the case of adult patients, antifungal mouthwash or lozenges is sufficient for short term thrash. There are ways to reverse this condition

Antifungals Can Kill The Infection- Antifungal medications such as fluconazole, nystatin provides good resolution for infection. However, this is dependent on the patient’s age, immune status and severity of the condition

High-Quality Probiotics Can Reverse- Probiotics has the potential to maintain natural levels of good bacteria.

Anti Candida Diet Can Kill Infections- Food rich in greens, dried fruits, and lean meats can help heal the condition

Look For Alternatives- Antibiotics and steroids can destroy the infection from progressing.4, 5

References:

  1. Thrush – children and adults: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000626.htm
  2. Thrush (Oral Candidiasis) – MedicineNethttps://www.medicinenet.com/thrush/article.htm
  3. Oral Thrush: 10 Home Remedies to Manage Your Symptoms https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-thrush
  4. 4 Steps to Cure Candida in the Mouth https://askthedentist.com/cure-candida/
  5. Thrush (Oral Candidiasis) – MedicineNet https://www.medicinenet.com/thrush/article.htm

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:May 1, 2020

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