Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a common fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a yeast that naturally lives in the mouth. In healthy people, Candida is usually kept under control, but when the balance changes, it can multiply and cause infection.
What Does Oral Thrush Look Like?
Oral thrush most commonly appears as creamy white or yellow patches that can often be wiped away, leaving a red or slightly bleeding surface underneath.
It may also appear as red, sore areas without the white coating, particularly under dentures or on the tongue.
The most common sites include:
- The tongue.
- The inside of the cheeks.
- The roof of the mouth (palate).
- The gums.
- Under dentures.
- The back of the throat in some cases.
What Are the Symptoms?
Some people have no symptoms, while others may experience:
- White patches in the mouth.
- Red, sore or burning areas.
- A painful or sensitive tongue.
- Cracking at the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis).
- Difficulty eating spicy or acidic foods.
- An unpleasant taste or altered taste.
- Occasionally, difficulty swallowing if the infection is more extensive.
Who Is More at Risk?
Several factors can increase the risk of developing oral thrush, including:
- Wearing dentures, especially if they are worn overnight or not cleaned properly.
- Dry mouth.
- Poor oral hygiene.
- Diabetes.
- Smoking.
- Antibiotics.
- Corticosteroid inhalers used for asthma, particularly if the mouth isn’t rinsed afterwards.
- A weakened immune system.
How Is Oral Thrush Treated?
Treatment involves addressing both the infection and the underlying cause.
Your dentist or doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication, such as a gel, lozenge, or mouth rinse.
It’s also important to:
- Practise good oral hygiene.
- Remove and thoroughly clean dentures every day and leave them out overnight.
- Rinse your mouth after using a corticosteroid inhaler.
- Stay well hydrated if you have a dry mouth.
- Manage medical conditions such as diabetes.
If thrush keeps returning, further investigation may be needed to identify the underlying cause.
The Bottom Line
Oral thrush is common and usually easy to treat, but it shouldn’t be ignored. Persistent white patches, soreness, or burning in the mouth should always be assessed by a dental professional.
At Dural Dental Practice, we don’t just look after your teeth—we examine the health of your entire mouth. If you’re experiencing symptoms of oral thrush or have noticed changes in your oral tissues, our friendly team can diagnose the problem and recommend the most appropriate treatment to get your mouth healthy again.
