Thrush (oral candidiasis)


What is it about ?

Thrush (oral candidiasis) is an infection of the lining of the mouth (oral lining) caused by Candida albicans, a yeast-like fungus. An infection with fungi is called a yeast infection. Candida albicans is found in the mouths of healthy people and does not necessarily cause infection. The infection affects people whose immune system is weakened or whose natural balance of oral flora is disturbed (oral flora is all the organisms that live in the mouth)

There are several triggers:

  • local factors: absence of normal bacterial oral flora (in newborns, for example), poor oral hygiene associated with wearing a dental prosthesis, reduced saliva production, smoking and the use of inhaled corticosteroids (inhalers with cortisone).
  • general factors: (recent) use of antibiotics, diabetes, Down syndrome or certain immune disorders (for example, in HIV or in people on chemotherapy).

What is its frequency?

Candida albicans can be found in the oral cavity of 20 to 50% of the healthy population without causing a problem. Candida infection occurs in about 4% of newborns (less than 6 weeks old). It is rather rare in adults.

How to recognize it?

In newborns, thrush produces whitish or ivory-colored spots on the tongue and other places in the mouth. Unlike the whitish layer on the tongue of infants who are breastfed, this layer does not usually disappear so easily.

In adults, painful reddish lesions of different sizes usually develop on the oral mucosa. A white layer on the tongue may also appear. It is eliminated more quickly than in newborns. Sometimes you may have a burning sensation in your mouth or feel a loss of taste.

How is the diagnosis made?

The doctor inspects the oral cavity and, if necessary, may take a sample of saliva for microscopic examination in the laboratory.

What can you do ?

Do not smoke. If you are undergoing treatment for the fungus and have recently had dentures, clean them thoroughly every day (15 to 30 minutes in cleaning solution). If you are taking inhaled corticosteroids, we recommend that you rinse your mouth well after use, then eat or drink.

What can your doctor do?

Your doctor will first seek to treat the trigger. In case of diabetes, a well-regulated sugar level is important

Treatment is only necessary if it is indeed a yeast infection (fungal infection) and you really have it. In this case, you will usually be prescribed a topical antimycotic (antifungal), in liquid or gel form, to be used for 4 to 6 weeks. In some cases (eg in people with cancer) it is better to treat with antimycotic tablets.

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