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Are their cracks in the corner of your mouth? This could be a symptom of oral thrush. Find out more here.
This type of infection can spread onto your tongue, inner cheeks, the roof of your mouth, gums and tonsils, or the back of the throat.
The Mayo Clinic states oral thrush is more common in older adults due to reduced immunity.
For this reason, people with suppressed immune systems – or those who take immunosuppressants – may be at more risk of the infection.
As well as cracking and redness at the corners of your mouth, there are other symptoms of oral thrush to be aware of.
While looking inside your mouth (with the use of a mirror), any creamy, white lesions may be noticeable.
These slightly raised lesions could resemble a cottage-cheese appearance, and they might bleed if rubbed or scraped.
The mouth area may be red, and feel as though it’s burning or is sore; this may be severe enough to cause difficulty eating or swallowing.
Some people report a “cottony feeling” in their mouth, which is another sign of infection.
Another risk factors for developing oral thrush is uncontrolled diabetes.
Oral thrush can be diagnosed by the doctor or a dentist, who will examine your mouth to look at the lesions.
Treatment usually involves the prescription of antifungus medication, yet there are precautions you can take to stop the infection in the first place.
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Good oral hygiene is the best place to start – brush teeth at least twice a day and floss daily.
Don’t share toothbrushes with other people, and replace your toothbrush often.
For anybody wearing dentures, remove them at night and clean them daily.
Saltwater rinses may also help, which involves dissolved 1/2tsp of salt in one cup of warm water.
Swish the rinse around your mouth and then spit it out in the bathroom sink.
It’s also important to treat thrush down below, which can happen to men and women.
Performing oral sex on a person with a yeast infection could trigger the overgrowth of the fungus in your mouth.
In short, a yeast infection can spread from the genitals to the mouth.
Do seek medical advice if you get oral thrush, as left untreated, it can cause health complications.
For example, the infection may spread to the oesophagus, which will involve further tests.
These can include a biopsy, an endoscopic exam, or a physical examination.
There are cases of repeat infections, so thrush may return once you’ve had it already.
Do seek medical advice if you get oral thrush, as left untreated, it can cause health complications.
For example, the infection may spread to the oesophagus, which will involve further tests.
These can include a biopsy, an endoscopic exam, or a physical examination.
There are cases of repeat infections, so thrush may return once you’ve had it already.
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