Candidiasis in the mouth – what it is, how to treat it and how to prevent it!

Candidiasis in the mouth is an infection caused by “Candida albicans” with a lesion in the mouth , with a creamy white appearance, bad taste and discomfort when eating.

This fungus, along with others, is a commensal in the oral mucosa and can cause more frequent infection in babies, when there is antibacterial therapy, in patients who use dentures and in immunocompromised patients.

The lesions are characterized by white plaques or nodules, of variable consistency, and their edges may be erythematous. They may be asymptomatic or there may be a complaint of pain or burning, with intense pain, wound, mucosal inflammation and a tendency to bleeding. So, check now what is  Candidiasis in the Mouth: How to Treat? How to Prevent:

What is Candidiasis in the Mouth:

Thrush in the Mouth ( thrush) is a superficial yeast infection of the mouth that can involve the tongue, inner cheek (buccal mucosa), inner lip region, and occasionally the gums (gums).

Although it is more common in young infants, thrush can affect young children and, to a lesser extent, older children and occasionally adults. Oral thrush diagnosed in older children, adolescents and any adult should always prompt a search for an underlying medical condition ( diabetes , use of immunosuppressive therapy, etc.).

Causes of Candidiasis in the Mouth:

Candidiasis in the mouth is an infection caused by excess Candida albicans fungus in the mouth, which usually causes infection in babies, due to their still poorly developed immunity, or in adults with a weakened immune system due to flu, chronic diseases or HIV . , for example. An increase in Candidiasis in the Mouth can be the result of:

• In addition, weakening of the immune system
• Smoke
• Also, an underlying health condition: Cancer or HIV
• Taking corticosteroid medication
• Also, taking medications that reduce the amount of saliva produced Mouth injuries Type -1 or type 2 diabetes

It can be caused by skin or mucous membrane contact with an infected area, and individual predisposition is relevant for this transmission. In babies, “thrush” can be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth, in case the mother has vaginal candidiasis, or through breastfeeding.

Mouth thrush in babies can also be caused by an immature immune system (especially premature babies) and the use of antibiotics.

Symptoms of Candidiasis in the Mouth:

Candidiasis of the Mouth usually develops suddenly, and symptoms can become more serious and noticeable over time:

• Creamy white lesions in the mouth – these can be on the tongue, on the roof of the mouth, or on the inner cheeks. These lesions can be painful or even begin to bleed when shaken by the hairs. Also, teeth, food or toothbrush;
• Oral inflammation;
• Also, loss of taste;
• Erosion of dental enamel;
• Also, Oral mucus.

Breastfeeding children and mothers can transmit the infection from the mother’s breast to the baby’s mouth. During pregnancy, a woman with a vaginal yeast infection can also pass the fungus to her baby during childbirth, causing the baby to develop Mouth Thrush .

Babies with Candidiasis in the Mouth may show signs of irritability and restlessness; they may also have trouble feeding. If a woman’s breast becomes infected with candida, she may experience red, itchy, tender nipples, a bright or dry areola, and sharp or unusual pain inside the breast and nipples.

In severe cases, the lesions can spread beyond the mouth, through the esophagus and stomach. This is called candida esophagitis and can cause difficulty swallowing and gastrointestinal bleeding. Your body may also show signs of a metabolic reaction when candida and toxins are released.

Symptoms that can be experienced during a candida cleanse include impaired brain function, headache , fatigue, dizziness, bloating, gas, sweating, sinusitis , rashes, and flu-like symptoms. These signs usually disappear in 7 to 10 days. When candida leaves your body, you will feel more energized and focused.

Treatment of Candidiasis in the Mouth:

In some babies, no treatment is needed. Many mild cases of Mouth Thrush only last for a short time – just a few days or so – and of course without any treatment.

If treatment is started, your doctor will usually prescribe a gel that contains an anti-frog medicine called miconazole . You rub this gel into the affected areas in your baby’s mouth, using a clean finger, as often as your doctor prescribes.

Follow the instructions carefully. Use the gel after a feed. To avoid the very small risk of choking, apply a little at a time and not to the back of the throat. The medicine works by killing the candida germs inside the baby’s mouth.

Strictly speaking, miconazole gel is not licensed to be used on babies under 4 months of age. However, many doctors are happy to recommend its use in babies of all ages.

An alternative treatment for Thrush in the Mouth is drops that contain an anti-frog medication called nystatin. You use a dropper that comes with the drops to place the liquid on the affected areas inside the baby’s mouth. Nystatin drops tend to be used if miconazole is not suitable for your baby for some reason, or if miconazole gel has not been effective.

You should continue with the treatment prescribed by your doctor for two days after the thrush has disappeared. See your doctor if the thrush has not gone away within seven days of starting treatment.

How is  Candidiasis in the Mouth Treated?

In adults, the treatment for Candidiasis in the Mouth should be guided by a general practitioner or a dentist, and can be done at home with the application of antifungals in the form of a gel, liquid or mouthwash, such as Nystatin, for 5 to 7 days. In addition, during treatment it is important to take some precautions, such as:

• Brush your teeth 3 times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush;
• Avoid eating fatty or sugary foods, such as cakes, sweets, cookies or candies;
• Rinse your mouth after eating or using oral medication, such as a nasal spray or syrup.
• A great home treatment for Candidiasis in the Mouth is pennyroyal tea, because it has properties that reduce the proliferation of fungi and help to speed up the fight against infection.

In the most serious cases, the treatment for Candidiasis in the Mouth can be done with the ingestion of oral antifungal medicines, such as Fluconazole, up to 14 days or as directed by the doctor.

In babies and children, Candidiasis in the Mouth , also known as thrush, treatment can be done by placing an antifungal in the form of a liquid, cream or gel, such as nystatin or miconazole, under the pediatrician’s indication.

Prevention of Candidiasis in the Mouth:

Candidiasis in the Mouth is a very common disease and many people have had it at one time or another. Mouth thrush is more common in children, but adults can also get this problem after using antibiotics or when their immune system is weakened.

There are several practical steps you can take to prevent thrush in the mouth and throat, even when you are taking antibiotics. These are the best ways to prevent Candidiasis in the Mouth :

• You should wash your teeth and tongue at least twice a day. There are always candida cells present in your mouth, so it’s important to keep your mouth clean to prevent candida overgrowth.
• Do not use mouthwash or throat sprays. While these help treat bad breath and sore throats , they also kill the good bacteria in your mouth but do not kill candida albicans. When this happens it becomes much easier for Mouth Candidiasis to occur.
• Limit the intake of sugary foods and drinks you consume. Sugar is the favorite food of Mouth Candidiasis .
• Drink an olive leaf extract tea several times a day.
• Visit your dentist regularly for a professional mouthwash and regular checkups.

Sometimes taking antibiotics is unavoidable and these steps help to prevent the onset of Candidiasis in the Mouth . These tips are also safe for children, so it can also prevent thrush in children as they take antibiotics more often than adults. Prevention is worth more than the pain and treatment of Candidiasis in the Mouth !