Oral Yeast Infection - Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
An oral yeast infections, also known as oral candidiasis or thrush, is a frustrating but common problem. It is caused by the fungus Candida. An oral yeast infection is a localized yeast infection of the mouth, and typically looks like a white coating of the tongue that can be scraped off.
Oral yeast infections are the most common in infants and babies. The also occur in older adults who wear dentures, people using antibiotics, and people undergoing certain cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy to the head and neck. This type of Candida infection is also common in people who have conditions that cause their immune systems to be weak, such as diabetes or AIDS. People who use certain medications- specifically, inhaled corticosteroids- are also at an increased risk of oral yeast infections.
Candida albicans is the most common cause of oral yeast infections. However, other Candida species, such as Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, and Candida tropicalis can also cause thrush.
Want relief from oral yeast infections the natural way? Click here for a 5-step holistic program!
There are two major forms of oral yeast infections:
- The pseudomembranous form. This form is the most common and typically appears as a white coating on the tongue, palate, oropharynx and mucosa of the mouth.
- The atrophic form, also known as denture stomitis. This form is less common overall but more common in older adults who use dentures. It is usually located under dentures and appears as a reddened, inflamed area.
Most people with oral yeast infections will never notice symptoms other than the white plaques inside their mouth. However, people with more series infections can have symptoms such as:
- pain with eating and swallowing
- loss of taste
- a cottony feeling in the mouth.
If you have these symptoms and they are bothersome to you, consider seeing you doctor or pursuing natural dietary or holistic treatments at home.
Do I Have an Oral Yeast Infection?
Just because you have a white coating on your tongue doesn't mean you have thrush. A white coating on the tongue is actually quite common and not worrisome. It can be caused by the normal bacteria that live in your mouth.
If you think you may have an oral yeast infection but aren't sure, visit your doctor. He or she will look inside your mouth and decide clinically if what you have looks oral candidiasis or thrush. Additionally, your doctor can do a test that involves taking a scraping of the white coating off of your tongue or mouth and examining it under the microscope.
How Are Oral Yeast Infections Treated?
If an oral yeast infection is present, the doctor can offer a local treatment option such as Nystatin, a liquid antifungal medication that can be swished and swallowed, or clotrimazole lozenges. If this doesn't work, your doctor may try an oral antifungal such as fluconazole.
Are you suffering from severe, persistent or recurrent yeast infections? Do you want to know more about natural and holistic methods to treat your yeast infection?
If your answer to these questions is yes, I strongly suggest you check out Linda Allen's program. It can help you understand and resolve the underlying root cause of your yeast infections.
This essential guide discusses natural methods of achieving permanent relief from your yeast infection symptoms, including itching, burning, pain, fatigue, digestive problems, migraines and more.