The candida albicans fungus is present in our body, such as the mouth, stomach, digestive tract, skin, and even the vaginal area. When it is balanced and at an adequate level, it does not present any inconvenience; however, if that balance is broken and this fungus begins to multiply, we will face an infection known as candidiasis. When this condition occurs in the oral cavity, it is known as oral candidiasis, producing specific injuries, discomfort, and symptoms that it is crucial to address before the condition worsens. Have you detected whitish lesions in your mouth but don’t know what happens? At FastlyHealwe, explain the symptoms, contagion, and treatment of oral candidiasis.
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Why does oral thrush appear?
As we have explained previously, the Hondo Candida albicans live in some regions of our body, coexisting in harmony thanks to the function of other microbes and also to the ability of our immune system to keep their proliferation at bay.
However, it is enough that this delicate balance is broken for this fungus to proliferate. When the immune system is weakened due to some disease or if the bacteria that live in our mouth begin to die in an accelerated way, then the perfect environment will be created to give rise to this fungal growth.
The most common causes of oral yeast infection are:
- Frequent use of steroids, including products for asthma or various lung conditions.
- I have diabetes or high blood sugar levels. In these cases, part of the sugar remains in the saliva, working as a stimulant that increases the growth of candida.
- It weakened the immune system due to chemotherapy, cancer drugs, or HIV infection.
- I have taken antibiotics for an extended period.
- I have a dental prosthesis that is not well adjusted.
- This condition is also common in babies and the elderly, who have a more fragile immune system.
Symptoms of oral yeast infection
Oral candidiasis is very easy to detect by any dentist, as it has characteristic lesions that denote its presence. The symptoms of this condition are:
- Whitish lesions on the mouth and tongue that have a velvety appearance.
- Presence of blood when handling or scraping lesions and also during brushing.
- Pain and discomfort when swallowing.
- The feeling of a dry mouth
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Treatment of oral candidiasis
Although it appears to be a severe condition, oral yeast infection is easy to diagnose and treat, especially if it is mild. However, it is essential to act quickly. If this fungus progresses without treatment, it can lead to much more severe and important infections such as meningitis; it can affect our eyes, heart, esophagus, or joints and trigger a more complex picture of conditions.
The usual treatment for this condition is:
- In mild cases, it is enough to increase the intake of probiotic foods such as yogurt or pickles such as olives. These will help restore the bacterial flora and bring the candida albicans to their proper levels.
- Acidophilus capsules have the same effect and are sold over the counter in pharmacies.
- Specific antifungal products such as mouthwashes, tablets, pills, or syrups may be prescribed in more severe cases.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Oral Candidiasis: symptoms, causes and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Teeth and mouth category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.