When Experiencing an Oral Yeast Infection

Are you concerned that the painful oral symptoms you or your child is experiencing could be a sign of an oral yeast infection? If so, you may find the following information very useful. In this article we will take a closer look at oral yeast infection, including its definition, symptoms and possible treatment options.

What is Oral Yeast Infection?

Oral yeast infection, more commonly referred to as oral thrush, is a painful, yet treatable fungal infection of the mouth caused by a type of yeast called Candida.

What Causes Oral Yeast Infection?

Oral thrush usually occurs when your immune system is in a weakened state or when antibiotic treatments upset the normal balance of microorganisms in your system. Your body, when functionally normally, is extremely well-equipped to fight off invading organisms, but when this natural ability is compromised, either due to a weakened immune system or drug therapy, the protective mechanisms that help fight off invading fungi such as Candida can fail and oral yeast infection can take hold.

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Another cause of oral yeast infection is the presence of a vaginal yeast infection during pregnancy. Vaginal yeast infections are also caused by Candida and can be passed on to newborn infants in the form of oral thrush.

Who Is Susceptible to Oral Yeast Infection?

Oral yeast infection or thrush is very common in babies and younger children, especially those with torn tissues in the oral cavity caused by constant sucking on bottles, pacifiers or during breastfeeding. It is estimated that close to 25% of all babies and infants will suffer from oral yeast infection at least once.

Oral yeast infection can also affect adults with weakened immune systems, particularly those who are:

· Undergoing treatment for HIV/AIDS or cancer
· Diabetic
· Undergoing antibiotic treatments
· Smokers
· Denture wearers

Oral Yeast Infection Symptoms

Only a doctor can say for sure whether you or your child has an oral yeast infection, but some of the symptoms to look for include:

· White lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks and occasionally the roof of the mouth, gums and tonsils
· Lesions that have the appearance of curds or cottage cheese
· Possible bleeding if the lesions are rubbed or scraped
· Oral pain and discomfort
· A dry-cracking at the corner of the mouth
· Loss of taste
· Cotton-mouth-like feeling

In very rare cases—cases in which it’s wise to seek immediate medical attention—the oral lesions associated with thrush can spread to the esophagus and may cause difficulty swallowing.

Oral yeast infection can also be transferred to the breasts of nursing mothers. Symptoms in this case may include red, itchy or sensitive nipples; shiny or flaky skin on the areola and unusual, stabbing pains during breast feedings.

Oral Yeast Infection Treatment

Oral thrush in babies and infants will often clear up spontaneously. Taking extra care to sterilize feeding equipment and pacifiers can help this process significantly.

In adult cases, oral yeast infection is often treated with antifungal lozenges and oral suspension tablets which are held in the mouth before swallowing. In serious cases, however, systemic treatment may be necessary in the form of antifungal capsules and injections.

If you feel that you or your child may be suffering from an oral yeast infection, you can rest assured that these infections are very common and rarely present any danger. For more information on the symptoms and available treatment options for oral thrush, contact your family doctor or pediatrician.