Oral thrush: How to recognize
Also known as candidiasis, oral thrush is a condition that manifests itself as accumulations of the fungus Candida albicans on the linings of your mouth. It is normal for Candida to be present in your mouth, but sometimes it overgrows.
Oral thrush can cause creamy white lesions, mostly on the tongue and inner cheeks. But it is a condition that can spread to the gums, roof of your mouth, tonsils and the back of your throat. Oral thrush can affect anyone, but it is more present in babies, elderly and people who suffer from a lower immune system. Certain medications can also affect the bacterial growth in your mouth.
How to recognize oral thrush
Initially, oral thrush will not show any symptoms. Its symptoms develop either slowly or suddenly, depending on the underlying cause. These symptoms can persist for weeks or months. You will recognize candidiasis by the following signs and symptoms:
Creamy white lesions present on your tongue, inner cheeks, gums, roof of your mouth and tonsils.
Slightly raised lesions that have a cottage cheese-like appearance.
Soreness or redness that is severe enough to cause you eating and swallowing difficulties.
Redness and cracking in the corners of your mouth.
Loss of taste
Cottony feeling in your mouth
If you suffer from a severe case of oral thrush, then the lesions have spread to your esophagus. The esophagus is the long, muscular tube that stretches from the back of your mouth to the stomach. If the lesions have spread to this extent, then you will find it difficult to swallow, and you always feel as if food is getting stuck in your esophagus and throat.
Breastfeeding mothers and infants
In children, in addition to the mouth lesions, oral thrush will generate irritability and fussiness while feeding. If you have an infant that is suffering from candidiasis, you have to know that they can pass this infection during breastfeeding. This way, the infection can then move back and forth between the baby’s mouths to the mother’s breasts.
Women who are suffering from breast candida infection could experience:
Red, sensitive, itchy and cracked nipples
Painful nipples between feedings and unusual pain during nursing
Stabbing pains within the breasts
Flaky or shiny skin on the darker, circular region around the nipple
When it’s time to get some help
If your child has developed white lesions in their mouth, you should take them to a dentist.
If an older child or a teenager has developed oral thrush, then you should also take them to a dentist or a doctor because it may be the cause of certain treatments or an underlying medical condition. Older people may also experience this condition as the result of the medication treatments they are undergoing.
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