What are these white spots in your mouth? (Thrush/Oral Candidiasis)

Do you have white, milky patches on your tongue or inside your mouth? Maybe you have a small wound that bleeds when you brush your teeth. Do you feel a strange, painful sensation in your mouth that makes it difficult to eat? This could be a fungal infection called 'Thrush', which is common in many people but is easily cured. Don't worry, we will talk about this in detail today.

What exactly is thrush?

Simply put, thrush is a yeast infection. It can develop in our mouth, throat, and other parts of the body. Medically, we call it 'Oral Candidiasis.' When this infection occurs, white, raised, cottage cheese-like lesions appear on your tongue and inside your cheeks. These lesions can cause redness and pain inside your mouth.

The main reason for this is the uncontrolled growth of a fungus called Candida, which is normally present in our bodies. If this happens to a normally healthy person, it is usually completely cured within about two weeks of starting antifungal treatment prescribed by a doctor.

Who is most likely to develop this condition?

Although anyone can get thrush, some people are at a slightly higher risk of developing it.

• Babies under one month old: Since young babies' immune systems are not yet fully developed, they can easily develop this infection.
• Toddlers: The risk is higher because they put toys in their mouths and their immune systems are still developing.
• Adults over 65 years of age: The risk increases as the immune system naturally weakens with age and due to other diseases.
• People with weakened immune systems: People with weakened immune systems due to various medical conditions (such as HIV) or medications are more likely to develop thrush. They may also have a harder time controlling it.

What are the main symptoms of this?

Thrush usually appears suddenly. It is very important to be aware of these symptoms.

This infection can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, and skin. However, this most often occurs in people with immune-compromised conditions, such as cancer and HIV.

Why do we get thrush?

In fact, we all have small amounts of the fungus Candida in our mouths, digestive tracts, and skin. Normally, the "good" bacteria in our bodies keep this fungus in check.

But if this balance is disrupted due to illness, stress, or certain medications, the fungus has the opportunity to grow out of control. That's when thrush infection occurs.

Here are some of the main medications that can affect the growth of fungi:

• Corticosteroids: Medicines used as an inhaler for diseases such as asthma.
• Antibiotics: When given for bacterial infections, they can also kill the good bacteria in the body, allowing fungi to grow.
• Birth control pills: Hormonal changes can also affect the growth of yeast.

Is this contagious from person to person?

This is a question that many people ask. Thrush can be contracted by people with weakened immune systems or those taking certain medications. However, it is very rare for someone with a healthy immune system to contract thrush through kissing or other close contact.

Simply put, it's not as contagious as a cold. But if someone has thrush, avoid contact with their saliva. Washing your hands frequently is also a good habit.

What other factors increase the risk of developing thrush?

In addition to the factors we discussed earlier, certain other conditions can increase the risk of developing a candida infection.

Can this cause complications?

Serious complications from thrush are rare in people with a healthy immune system. However, in people with a weakened immune system, the Candida fungus can enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body, such as the eyes, brain, and heart. This can lead to a serious, life-threatening condition called septic shock . Therefore, people with weakened immune systems should be especially careful about this.

How does the doctor recognize this?

Most of the time, a doctor can recognize thrush as soon as they see white patches inside your mouth, tongue, or cheeks.

If you scratch the spot and see a small red, slightly bleeding sore underneath, that's a key sign of thrush. If you want to confirm further, you can take a small sample from the spot and examine it under a microscope.

If there is a suspicion that the infection has spread down the throat, the doctor may refer you for tests such as:

• Throat culture: A swab taken from the back of the throat to test for bacteria.
• Endoscopy: Examination of the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine using a thin tube with a camera attached.
• X-rays: To check the condition of the esophagus.

What are the treatments for this?

The main treatment for thrush is antifungal medications.

Your doctor will usually prescribe an antifungal medication like nystatin. This medication can come in the form of tablets, lozenges, or a liquid (swished around in your mouth and swallowed). You will usually need to take this treatment for 10 to 14 days. Your doctor will decide the best course of treatment based on your age and the cause of the infection.

Healthy children and adults respond very well to these treatments. However, in those with weakened immune systems, symptoms may be more severe and recovery may take longer. You should start to feel better within a week or two of starting treatment.

What can we do to prevent thrush?

If you follow these habits, you can greatly reduce the risk of developing thrush.

• Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Floss at least once a day.
• Avoid certain mouthwashes: Some mouthwashes can kill good bacteria in your mouth and allow fungus to grow. Ask your doctor or dentist which ones are safe for you.
• See a dentist regularly: This is especially important if you have diabetes or use toothpaste.
• Limit foods containing sugar and yeast: Things like bread, beer, and wine can stimulate the growth of Candida.
• Avoid smoking: If you smoke, talk to your doctor for help quitting.

When should we see a doctor?

This is a very important matter.

Also, if you've already been treated for thrush and the symptoms recur, talk to your doctor right away. It could be a sign of another serious condition.

Some things you can do at home

Antifungal medications are the only treatment for this. However, you can try these things at home to get relief from the symptoms. Remember, these are not a substitute for treatment.

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water: This can help reduce pain and discomfort a bit.
• Take probiotics: These help restore the level of good bacteria in the body.
• Eat yogurt: It is also advisable to eat yogurt (especially sugar-free), which contains good bacteria.

Although thrush is an uncomfortable condition, it is easily treatable in a healthy person. If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately and get proper treatment.

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