An oral yeast infection, thrush is a name assigned to the fungus Candida albicans. Usually painless, if you have this condition you will notice a white rash in your mouth and/or throat that has been described as looking like cottage cheese.

Candida, another name for thrush, is a disease more typical in newborn babies, seniors who wear dentures, and persons with compromised immune systems. Other contributors to this condition are chronic dry mouth, uncontrolled diabetes, hormonal changes due to pregnancy, and the use of medications like antibiotics and corticosteroids.

Symptoms that accompany thrush are:

-White “cottage cheese” patches in the mouth, tongue and inner cheeks

-Mouth cracks at the corners

-Soreness and redness

-Problems and pain when swallowing

Diagnosis:

Because white patches in your mouth and/or throat are not always thrush, your dentist will diagnosis candida only after a scraping and culture is taken and a thorough examination is done under a microscope.

Treatment:

Fighting thrush with antifungal medications and oral rinses is commonly done as a method of treatment. Fluconazole is prescribed often by dentists for the sufferer. Make an appointment with your dentist to determine what type of treatment you should try.

After gaining control of the issue, managing a reemergence of the infection in the future is prescient. Promoting good oral hygiene is important. Disinfecting dentures and keeping them clean from harboring yeast is vital.

Please contact Salina Dental Arts at: 785-823-2472, or come by our office in Salina, Kansas. If you are concerned about thrush, one of our caring dentists, Drs. Jason Barth, C.A. Ritter, Kerry Carlson, and Maria Wittman would be happy to answer your questions!