The candid yeast infection in the mouth is known as oral thrush. It is a yeast infection that is caused by fungi known as candida. These fungi are naturally present in our throat, mouth, and digestive system. A small quantity of this fungi is also present on our toenails, skin, and vagina.
Oral thrush or oral candidiasis causes white patches to appear on our tongue and the insides of our cheeks. In severe cases, the yeast infection can spread to the back of our throat and enter our esophagus, causing a burning sensation. Oral thrush can make drinking and eating uncomfortable and lead to bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Oral thrush is more prevalent in patients with diabetes, HIV/ AIDS, and cancer as their body's immune system gets weaker and susceptible to fungal infections.
Oral Hygiene
Rinsing your mouth after every meal, brushing your teeth twice a day, and flossing once a day can prevent oral thrush. Maintaining good oral hygiene keeps bacteria, fungi, and viruses at bay. Dentists recommend rinsing your mouth thoroughly, especially if you are using a corticosteroid inhaler. The prolonged usage of this inhaler disturbs the natural balance of microorganisms in our body, leading to an overgrowth of candida fungus that causes oral thrush.
Regular Dental Checkups
If you are diabetic or wear dentures, you must see your dentist regularly to avoid being infected with conditions like oral thrush. Through regular dental checkups, your dentist will be able to keep track of your health and prevent the disease before it happens. They will be able to spot the early signs and symptoms and give you proper treatments or guidance for preventing the outbreak of oral thrush.
Low Sugar Diet
A low sugar diet will reduce the amount of sugar residue in your mouth and help you maintain low blood sugar levels. A low-sugar diet discourages the growth of candida fungus in your digestive system and mouth. Even though candida fungus is naturally present in our body in a small quantity, regular intake of sugary diets can aggravate the candida yeast infection because yeast requires glucose to grow and thrive. The presence of glucose in your saliva can cause the candida yeast infection in your mouth in the form of oral thrush.
Check Your Dentures
Unclean and loose dentures or braces can lead to the accumulation of oral thrush, causing fungus in your mouth. Before going to bed, remove your dentures and wash them thoroughly with lukewarm water to kill all the bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Never sleep with your dentures in your mouth. Also, ensure that your dentures fit properly and are not causing irritation in your mouth, especially on your tongue and insides of your cheeks. If that's the case, ask your dentist to make a denture that fits perfectly. You can also ask your dentist for the best method to clean your dentures.
For effective treatment of oral thrush, please give us a call at 480.935.6295 to schedule your appointment with either Dr. Moyer or .
About Our Paradise Valley Dental Practice • David R. Moyer, DDS Looking for the right dentist for you? Learn more about our top-rated Paradise Valley dentist, David R. Moyer, DDS, today! David R. Moyer, DDS, 10920 N. Tatum Blvd, Suite #103 Phoenix, AZ 85208 / 480.935.6295 / moyerdds.com / 3/26/2023 / Page Phrases: Dentist Paradise Valley /
The candid yeast infection in the mouth is known as oral thrush. It is a yeast infection that is caused by fungi known as candida. These fungi are naturally present in our throat, mouth, and digestive system. A small quantity of this fungi is also present on our toenails, skin, and vagina.