What is oral thrush?
Thrush is a fungal infection that often occurs in the mouth.
A small amount of fungus is always present in the mouth, but infection occurs when its amount is higher than recommended.
Oral thrush mainly affects children and adults who have a weak immune system for some reason. However, this diagnosis can be diagnosed at any age, no one is immune from it.
In the early stages, oral thrush is asymptomatic, but signs appear as the disease worsens and progresses.
Characteristic signs include:
- White or yellow spots on the inside of the cheek, tongue, tonsils, gums, or lips;
- Slight bleeding when the spots are scratched;
- A burning or painful sensation in the mouth;
- A feeling of something like cotton in the mouth;
- Dry, cracked skin in the corners of the mouth;
- Difficulty swallowing;
- Bad breath;
- Redness, irritation, and pain under the teeth.
It is important to note that oral thrush is caused by the same fungus that causes fungal infections in other parts of the body.
Risk factors include:
- The patient is a child or elderly person;
- A history of a condition that causes dry mouth;
- Taking corticosteroids or immunosuppressants;
- Smoking;
- Taking antibiotics;
- Wearing dentures.
Note that if you have a weakened immune system, you may be more likely to develop complications from thrush.
Without proper treatment, the fungus that causes thrush can enter the bloodstream and spread to the heart, brain, eyes, and other parts of the body. This process is called invasive candidiasis.
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