Maybe you have not heard of the mouth infection thrush, but you probably have heard of the candida fungus, more commonly known as yeast, that causes the condition. The fungus can also cause diaper rash in babies and vaginal infections in women.

The interesting thing about this oral condition is that the fungus that causes it is normally found in the mouths of healthy people. The problem occurs when the bacteria and microorganisms that normally keep it under control fail to do their job. This can be caused by stress or medications that upset the natural reactions and processes within the body.

Antibiotics and birth control pills are among the medications that can contribute to an imbalance in the organisms in the mouth. Certain conditions such as diabetes, cancer, dry mouth and hormonal changes can also lead to an infection. Babies can pass along the illness to their mothers through breast feedings.

A doctor or dentist can easily identify thrush by looking inside your mouth. The fungal causing this condition have a unique appearance. If diagnosis is not easy, other tests can be performed to determine the Candida organisms, such as microscopic examination of the scrapings of your mouth or culture of the lesions taken from your mouth.

Once thrush develops, it can become a chronic condition, sticking around for a long time. One of the most common signs of the malady is a creamy-white lesion in the mouth. The raised mound is usually found on the tongue or inside the cheeks. However, these sores can sometimes occur on the roof of the mouth, on the gums and tonsils and at the back of the throat.

This illness can spread to the lungs, liver and skin; especially in people with cancer and HIV. These diseases weaken the immune system and interfere with the body’s ability to defend itself. There are plenty of treatment option at home as well as by your doctor. Taking action right away always prevents further complication from ignoring the condition.

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Would you believe that canker sore occurrences tend to be based on heredity or at least on shared experiences within the family?

While the exact causes are yet to be determined, if your parents or siblings have cankers then the chance of you developing them is more likely than it is for someone who does not have a family history with the oral bumps. If you’re waiting for an answer as to why this is so, you will have to wait a little longer. The connection is apparent, but once again the cause still eludes researchers.

Here are some other factors that seem to sometimes lead to occurrences:

• When you are tired or going through a particularly stressful time you may be at greater risk. Stress and fatigue can lower the resistance of the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses.

• During their period, women appear to be more susceptible. This may be explained by hormonal changes.

• Dental work (especially braces), which can lead to rubbing inside the mouth and other irritations seems to put you at higher risk.

• Allergies, particular allergies to foods can increase your likelihood of getting a sore. Determining which foods give you problems may be a drawn out process, but if you can find the offending culprits the time will have been well spent.

• Acidic foods may be a cause. Even foods such as oranges that are generally considered healthy can be harmful in this area.

It certainly helps to thoroughly clean your mouth (inside and outside) before and after a meal or drink; especially when you eat or drink those foods and drinks that are considered the cause for this condition.

Finding the cause can be like searching for the proverbial needle in the haystack, but keep looking. What do you have to lose? It is to your benefit to pin point and know exactly what triggers your this painful oral pain for you.