by Michael Poyner

Created on: May 09, 2009

Oral candidiasis is an infection that occurs in the mouth. Another name for it is Thrush. Overgrowth of yeast fungi called Candida causes the infection. The causes of the overgrowth of the fungus vary. Candida fungi exist in small amounts in various areas of the body in the average person. It can occur in anyone, but normally occurs in babies, older adults and people with an immune deficiency. People with normal immune systems shouldn't worry about it too much. Once the symptoms are recognized it is very treatable. The disease can be infectious but only under certain conditions.

Oral candidiasis is basically a yeast infection that occurs in the mouth. These yeast fungi are found in small amounts in the mouth of most everyone. They are normally kept in check by good bacteria and other microorganisms in the body. The overgrowth of the fungi can be caused by stress, medications, hormonal changes in women, or illnesses.

Stress, medications, and hormonal changes can interfere with the delicate balance that keeps the Candida at bay. Eliminating unnecessary stress will help keep you balanced and healthy. Antibiotics as well as other medications can interfere with this balance by killing off good bacteria and microorganisms that would keep the growth of this fungus at a minimal. Birth control pills and pregnancy can cause the hormonal changes in women that may cause the infection to occur.

Certain illnesses can cause the fungi to grow. Patients with cancer receiving treatment for their disease may become susceptible to oral candidiasis. Those with autoimmune diseases can fall victim to this as well. Uncontrolled diabetes can also be a concern in the development of this infection. Dry mouth, a condition caused by various illnesses and medications, can be a path to developing this as well.

Candida fungi can be found in small amounts in the mouth, digestive tract, and skin of most people. Because it is kept in check by good bacteria and microorganisms, the average healthy person has nothing to be concerned about. Although it can occur in anyone, it is mainly a concern for babies, older adults, and those with illnesses that affect the immune system.

Symptoms of this infection are, thick white or cream colored deposits that appear on the tongue and sometimes top of the mouth. There may also be inflammation and redness along with some pain in the affected area. Sometimes lesions in the inflamed area may bleed if scraped. Treatment of oral candidiasis is usually accomplished with topical anti-fungal mouth rinses. If the infection becomes reoccurring regular oral treatments may be necessary. In the case of certain autoimmune diseases, intravenous anti-fungal treatments may be necessary.

Oral candidiasis is not a very infectious disease. It can be passed from mother to child during child birth if the mother has a vaginal Candida infection at the time. Women experiencing Candida infection during pregnancy can and usually report it to their doctor and receive treatment before the baby is born ensuring that the chance of passing the infection during child birth is minimal to zero. It can also be passed from baby to mother through breastfeeding resulting in sensitivity to the nipple region of the breast. A topical anti-fungal cream and good hygiene in the nipple area can correct this.

Learn more about this author, Michael Poyner.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.