Yeast Infection of the Mouth (Oral Thrush)

If you’ve got vaginal or penile yeast infection, you can afford to hide your symptoms and suffering from others. But, if you happen to contract oral yeast infection, you can be rest assured you’ll be the most vile and repulsive creature around. Don’t believe? Just browse the picture of oral yeast infection or see an oral thrush photo and you’ll know what we mean. This infection can become that bad.

Defining oral yeast infection

Whereas vaginal yeast infection is caused by the fungus Candida albicans, the oral yeast infection is the gift of Monilia albicans. Monilia infects mouth and throat, especially of babies and the elderly. In this form, it’s called oral thrush. There are four clinical forms of oral yeast infection:

a. Moniliasis or thrush: This manifests itself as a smooth creamy white or yellow coating on any oral surface. If this surface is wiped off, a red underlying tissue is revealed.

b. Erythematous: This appears as red, peeling patches, most commonly on the palate and tongue.

c. Chronic hyperplastic: This is extra tissue and cannot readily be wiped off. It may appear discolored because of staining caused by foods or tobacco.

d. Angular cheilitis: It’s visible as red cracks at the corners of the mouth often covered by a pseudo membrane. It can occur with other forms of candidiasis or appear independently.

The good news is not all get infected by Monilia. But there are certain people who are more at risk, like newborn babies, those with poor nutrition or immune deficiency, adults with diabetes or other metabolic disturbance, those undergoing antibiotic or chemotherapy treatment, denture users and drug users.

Symptoms of oral yeast infection

The symptoms of oral thrush or oral yeast infection appear as burning or painful sensations in the mouth. However, they may often be asymptomatic, that is, displaying no symptoms. Non-visible symptoms may include a craving for sugar, alcohol, or bread; digestive problems; fatigue; depression; and muscle or joint pains.

Causes of oral yeast infection

There can be many causes of oral thrush or oral yeast infection. Let’s see what they are:

a. Broad-spectrum antibiotics: They increase susceptibility to these infections by killing the beneficial gastrointestinal bacteria that naturally keeps a check on Monilia, thus disrupting the normal balance of organisms.

b. Glucocorticosteroid preparations: These appear to lower resistance to Monilia by suppressing the immunity.

c. Birth control pills: They’ve hormonal effects that can lower a woman's resistance to overgrowth of Monilia.

d. Tricyclic antidepressants: They’ve been found to be associated with reduced salivary flow, which can lead to oral yeast infections.

e. Systemic diseases: There are systemic diseases in which oral yeast infections are more prevalent. These include diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hypoadrenalism and Sjogren's syndrome reduced saliva.

Oral treatment for yeast infection

There are some excellent yeast infection oral medications. Let’s see what they are:

a. Defamox: This double action product is one of the most popular off-the-shelf medications generally recommended by medical experts. It comprises an internal pill that removes Candida from the body effectively and a liquid spray for tongue and gums that help relieve the burning, swelling, bleeding and white coating of tongue immediately. Together the two ensure the thrush is completely removed from the system.

b. Nystatin: It’s an antifungal antibiotic that’s effective both topically and orally. The yeast organism rarely develops resistance to it.

c. Amphotericin B: This creams and ointments based amphotericin B is used for the more invasive form of Candida.

d. Ketoconazole preparations: These antifungal preparations cause changes in the fungus cell wall and bind with the organisms, thereby eradicating the infection.

Oral yeast infection can play havoc with the mouth. So, the first step is to get a proper diagnosis from the physician. The next is to take whatever medications have been prescribed regularly. Only then can you expect a permanent cure.