Tongue Yeast Infection

A tongue yeast infection is caused by the fungus Candida albicans, which is a normal inhabitant of gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. Overgrowth of candida leads to candidiasis. This condition is characterized by the appearance of white patches on the surface of the tongue. It is also called thrush and can occur in the mouth, throat and tongue.

Candida requires warm and moist areas to survive. The yeast fungus multiplies very fast and there can be several reasons for its overgrowth. Oral candidiasis or oral thrush can be due to several factors, such as overuse of antibiotics, steroids, cancer medications and asthma medications. These factors contribute to the overgrowth of candida. People suffering from HIV are more prone to systemic candidiasis.

Symptoms

Oral thrush can cause creamy white lesions on the tongue, mouth, throat and inner cheeks. It is difficult to brush your teeth during the infection. One is likely to experience pain while eating as well as drinking. You will feel a different type of taste sensation. Swallowing the food will be a difficulty and one may suffer from a fever the infection spreads to the esophagus. Another type of yeast infection in mouth includes erythematous infection. The symptoms are red scaly speckles in the mouth and the palate. Some places on tongue and palate may show red bumps and mucosal patches.

Treatment

Drink plenty of water as water flushes out the toxins present in the body. Follow an anti-candida diet, to keep the candida at bay. Exclude processed carbohydrates foods, sugar, starchy foods, alcohol and white flour from your diet. Probiotic supplements containing lactobacillus acidophilus and vitamins are to be incorporated in your food habits along with the anti-candida diet. Medicated lozenges can be taken three to five times in a day. These help in soothing the throat. Antifungals such as candicidin, nystatin, amphotericin B, aid fight against this infection. Seek advice of your doctor before taking any medication. Nystatin has antiseptic and antifungal properties and it is obtained from the microorganism Streptomyces noursei. Ketoconazole, an antifungal, changes the course of action of candida and helps in subsiding the spread of the infection. If you are suffering from acute oral infection, then Amphotericin B is prescribed. One may take capricin tea or grape fruit seed extract to alleviate the symptoms.

Preventive Measures

Given below are some ways to prevent such an infection.

• Frequent use of mouthwash and oral solutions can change the normal micro flora count. So, avoid using these products.
• Stop taking foods that contain yeast such as bread, yogurt, beer and so on, during the infection. Do not take spicy and salty foods, as these foods may aggravate the problem.
• It is essential that you brush your teeth, at least two times in a day. Sterilize your toothbrush with 70% alcohol solution to keep away contamination.
• Quit smoking and visit your dentist to clean your dentures, if you are wearing one.

Eating the right foods and in right proportions is the best way to keep these infections away. Eat low starchy foods and green vegetables that contain fibers. If you ever suffer from this infection, consult with your medical practitioner so that he can map out a proper treatment plan, depending upon your symptoms and lifestyle.