Mouth Thrush – Prevention and Causes

Here is your chance to learn a little more about the mouth infection known as thrush. The first thing you should know is that the infection is caused by a yeast fungus, and a diagnosis of this condition is as likely to come from your dentist as from any other health care professional.

A dentist may notice the distinctive white ulcers inside your mouth while performing a routine examination. When the lesions are lightly brushed, a red tender area should be revealed. Sometimes there is bleeding associated with the condition. A diagnosis can be confirmed by removing a small sample of an infected area and viewing the removed piece of the lesion under a microscope.

As with any condition, you have a greater chance of recovery from this illness if you are healthy and have a properly functioning immune system. Antifungal medicines have proved highly effective in fighting the fungus. The medications are generally taken for two weeks or less and are available in pills, liquids and lozenges. Treatment varies based on a patient’s age and physical condition.

Since the infection is sometimes a mouth thrush symptom of a larger problem, your dentist will probably recommend that you see a medical doctor as a precaution. A doctor can conduct an examination and run tests to diagnose or rule out other conditions that may be causing this symptom.

Simple thrush infections can be avoided through good oral hygiene, including a routine of brushing at least twice daily and flossing. Believe it or not, it is recommended that you avoid mouthwashes and mouth spray because they can upset the balance between the yeast fungus normally found in the mouth and the bacteria and microorganism that help keep it in check. Also limit foods heavy in sugar and yeast.

In conclusion, reasons for developing mouth thrush can be varied and it will probably take an examination from a physician to determine the cause of this symptom when it is related to a larger disease. However, good oral hygiene and staying healthy (eating a healthy diet, exercise and avoiding smoking) can go a long way in preventing many cases of the infection.

• Health Tip: What May Be Causing Painful Swallowing (nlm.nih.gov)
• What is this strange Tooth Odor after wisdom teeth extraction? (bizequityblog.com)
• What Is Oral Thrush In Adults? What Causes Oral Thrush In Adults? (medicalnewstoday.com)
• Dental Health : How Does a Dentist Fill a Cavity? (bizequityblog.com)
• Treatment Of Yeast Infection – Discover The Real Truth Of This Disease (slideshare.net)