Oral Thrush
Oral Thrush Treatments in Metro Atlanta
Waking up with a sore mouth and unusual white patches on your tongue can be an alarming experience. Mouth issues are uncomfortable and can make eating or drinking a painful chore. But most common mouth infections are highly treatable once you know what you’re dealing with, especially with the help of our professionals at Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery. We provide comprehensive care for a wide range of mouth and jaw conditions, including oral thrush. Our team can help you identify oral thrush symptoms, understand what causes the condition, and create a treatment plan that quickly restores your health.
What Is Oral Thrush?
Oral thrush is an infection in your mouth caused by a type of yeast called Candida. Because of this, doctors sometimes refer to the condition as oral candidiasis.
Candida is a normal fungus that lives in your mouth, digestive tract, and skin. Most of the time, it causes no harm. The healthy bacteria in your body naturally keep the yeast in check. However, when the balance of bacteria is disrupted, the yeast can grow out of control. When too much of this yeast builds up on the lining of your mouth, it can cause oral thrush.
Potential Oral Thrush Causes
Several different factors can upset the natural balance of bacteria in your body. When this balance shifts, oral thrush may develop. Some of the most common causes include:
- Weakened Immune System – People with conditions that weaken the immune system are much more likely to develop thrush.
- Medications – Taking antibiotics can wipe out the good bacteria in your body that normally control yeast growth.
- Inhaled Corticosteroids – Asthma medications inhaled through the mouth can increase the risk of thrush.
- Dentures – Wearing dentures, especially if they’re not kept clean or don’t fit well, can trap bacteria and yeast.
- Dry Mouth – Conditions or medications that reduce saliva production can make your mouth more prone to infections.
Recognizing Oral Thrush Symptoms
Spotting oral thrush early makes treatment much easier. The symptoms can develop suddenly or slowly over a few days. Be on the lookout for these common oral thrush symptoms:
- Creamy white patches on your tongue, inner cheeks, or the roof of your mouth
- Redness, burning, or soreness severe enough to cause trouble eating or swallowing
- Slight bleeding if the white patches are rubbed or scraped
- Cracking and redness at the corners of your mouth
- A strange, cotton-like feeling inside your mouth
- A noticeable loss of taste
Is Oral Thrush Contagious?
Oral thrush isn’t considered highly contagious for healthy adults. You usually won’t catch it just by being around someone who has it or by sharing a drink. However, the yeast that causes thrush can be passed from a mother to her baby. If a mother has a yeast infection, the baby can contract the fungus during childbirth. Furthermore, a nursing mother and her baby can pass the infection back and forth between the mother’s skin and the baby’s mouth.
Can Oral Thrush Go Away on Its Own?
In some very mild cases, healthy children and adults might see the infection clear up without medication. This usually happens if the underlying cause – such as a short course of antibiotics – is resolved. But we don’t recommend relying on the infection to resolve on its own. If left untreated, thrush can spread to other parts of the body, causing more serious health issues. It’s always a good idea to consult our doctors to get an accurate diagnosis and a proper treatment plan.
How to Get Rid of Oral Thrush
Eliminating oral thrush usually involves antifungal medications, which are highly effective at stopping yeast growth. If you’re looking into how to cure oral candidiasis, you might expect your doctor to prescribe:
- Antifungal Mouthwashes – You swish these liquids around your mouth and then swallow them.
- Lozenges – These antifungal tablets slowly dissolve in your mouth, coating the affected areas.
- Oral Medications – For more stubborn infections, you might need to swallow antifungal pills.
Alongside medical treatments, you should maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and clean your dentures thoroughly if you wear them. Replacing your toothbrush after the infection clears is also a smart way to prevent oral thrush from returning.
Contact Our Oral Health Team in Georgia Today
Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery can provide quick, effective help to treat your mouth infection in Metro Atlanta, so don’t let the pain disrupt your life any longer. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a happier, healthier smile.