Top Causes of Oral Thrush

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Top Causes of Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a type of infection that occurs in the oral cavity. Also called oral candidiasis, this condition can cause white lesions on the tissues in the mouth. Other symptoms include a sore mouth and throat, a burning sensation in the mouth, a bad taste that won’t go away, or trouble swallowing. Although the bacteria that cause oral thrush usually exist in the mouth without causing problems, certain conditions can cause the bacteria to grow unchecked and cause an infection. What are the top causes of oral thrush?

Weak Immune System

People who have weakened immune systems are more at risk to develop oral thrush [1]. This is because the bacteria that cause oral thrush are normally kept in check by the immune system, and when immunity has been compromised, the bacteria can proliferate. These include people who have cancer and are receiving cancer treatment that may impact the immune system, people who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and people who have diabetes. Diabetes can cause a weak immune system which can lead to an increased risk for oral thrush.

Antibiotic Therapy

Antibiotics can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria that exists in the body and lead to the development of oral thrush [2]. Whether you’re taking a course of antibiotics or are taking antibiotics long-term as part of treatment, ask your doctor about your risk for oral thrush and what you can do to combat it. Depending on your specific type of antibiotic and the condition you’re treating, there may be a few things you can do, such as rinsing out your mouth after taking a liquid antibiotic, or introducing probiotics while taking antibiotics to restore healthy bacteria.

Dentures

People who wear full or partial dentures may also be more at risk to develop oral thrush [3]. While experts aren’t sure why this is, it’s suspected that not removing dentures at night as well as not properly cleaning dentures can result in oral thrush. In addition, if you wear dentures and have another medical condition such as diabetes, chronic dry mouth, or are taking antibiotics, you may be even more likely to develop oral thrush. Leaving your dentures out at night and properly cleaning them every day may help reduce your risk for developing an infection.

Treatment for Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is typically treated with antifungal medications that your dentist prescribes. These are usually liquid medications that you can rinse your mouth with. Your dentist can evaluate your oral cavity for signs of oral thrush and make a diagnosis during your appointment. With treatment, the majority of oral thrush cases go away in a couple weeks.

If you’re seeing any signs of oral thrush, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for an appointment!

Sources:

1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/thrush
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/oral-thrush/symptoms-causes/syc-20353533
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3821534/

Summary
Top Causes of Oral Thrush
Article Name
Top Causes of Oral Thrush
Description
Although the bacteria that cause oral thrush usually exist in the mouth without causing problems, certain conditions can cause the bacteria to grow unchecked and cause an infection. What are the top causes of oral thrush?
Author
Leesburg Premier Dental