Dental Health
Thrush
Thrush
Oral thrush is an infection of yeast fungus, Candida albicans, in the mucous membranes of the mouth. Strictly speaking, thrush is only a temporary infection in the oral cavity of babies. However, we have for this purpose expanded the term to include Candida infections occurring in the mouth and throat of adults, also known as Candidosis or Moniliasis.
Candida is present in the oral cavity of almost half of the population. Everyone who wears dentures will have Candida, without necessarily suffering any ill effects. Candida does not become a problem until there is a change in the chemistry of the oral cavity that favours Candida over the other micro-organisms that are present.
White, cream-coloured, or yellow spots in the oral cavity. The spots are slightly raised. There is normally no pain in the area underneath the spots. If you scrape off these spots, they leave small wounds that bleed slightly. In adults, thrush can cause an uncomfortable burning sensation in the mouth and throat.
Who is at special risk? Newborn Babies, Denture Users, Adults with Diabetes or other metabolic disturbances, People undergoing antibiotic or chemotherapy treatment, Drug Users, People with poor nutrition and People with an immune system deficiency.
Treatment of Thrush
First, the condition that caused the thrush must be brought under control. This might involve investing in new and better fitting dentures, or adjusting diabetes treatment. For AIDS patients, it is not always possible to correct the immune-deficiency and a course of oral treatment using drugs called systemic fungicides will have to be used.
Appointment not necessary for people in pain.
Call 519-679-Dove (3683).