Oral Thrush Treatment

Oral thrush is a yeast or fungal infection seen in mouth. As it is caused by a fungus known as the Candida albicans, it is also known as Candidiasis. Oral thrush is not a serious condition and can be treated effectively in a short period.

Causes of Oral Thrush
Candida is a fungus present in the oral cavity as well as in the genitalia of people. This fungus is harmless as long as it is present in the right quantity. However, sometimes certain factors trigger off the rapid growth of Candida fungus, which results in its overgrowth. This overgrowth is actually the oral thrush or the Candida infection that we see. Taking antibiotics is the most prominent factor that causes oral thrush as antibiotics alter the natural amount of microorganisms in the body. Secondly, having a weakened immune system, birth control pills and consuming excess amount of sugar also results in oral thrush. People with dentures are also said to be more prone to oral thrush. On the other hand, people suffering from diabetes, HIV / AIDS, drug users, etc., are at a higher risk of contracting oral thrush. Similarly, it is also observed that oral thrush is commonly found in infants and children as they have a weak immune system.

Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of oral thrush are similar in case of children and adults. White creamy spots in the mouth, that resemble cottage cheese, is the most prominent sign of oral thrush. These lesions are not painful, however, when poked or scraped, they can bleed. Difficulty in eating and swallowing, and burning sensation in mouth are the other symptoms of oral thrush. Peculiarly, these signs and symptoms appear at different stages. In the initial stage, no symptoms are seen. Later, however, they may appear suddenly and also last for a long time.

Treating Oral Thrush
As the symptoms of oral thrush are easier to identify, it is equally easier to diagnose the condition. It is very essential to commence the treatment of oral thrush as early as possible in order to prevent its complications like Candida esophagitis. In case of babies, antifungal oral medications are helpful. Also, babies and infants should be given sterilized water immediately after having milk to prevent the fungus thriving in it. In case of children and adults, there are several oral thrush medications available that have antifungal properties. These medications are available in different forms like tablets, pills, syrups and even lozenges. Different types of treatment methods and medications are used for treating oral thrush in people suffering from HIV / AIDS as their immune system is extremely weak.

On the other hand, having yogurt is the best natural treatment. Yogurt contains acidophilus, a bacterium, which helps in destroying excess fungus. Therefore one is advised to add yogurt to the diet regularly in order to treat as well as prevent Candida infection. There is also a specific diet known as Candida cleanse that one needs to follow when treating oral thrush. According to the diet, one should not consume sugar and other fermented products.

There are several treatment methods which are equally effective in treating and curing this condition completely. However, one should remember that it is possible to prevent oral thrush by following oral hygiene.