Thursday, October 23, 2008

Signs Of Yeast Infection In The Mouth

By Rebecca Wincup

There are many reasons why yeast infections can develop in the mouth. Basically it can be one of three things that lead to an infection. These are fungi, bacteria or disease. Candida albicans, a fungus, is one of the likely reasons for oral yeast infections. While yeast infections in babies' mouths are most often referred to as thrush, these infections are called Candidiasis or moniliasis when they occur in the mouths or throats of adults.

It is called a yeast infection but a more accurate description is an outbreak of the Candida fungi. While Candida is a natural part of the flora of our bodies, in the digestive tract and in women's vaginas, sometimes Candida gets out of balance in the body and grows quickly. This fungus can also live and reproduce inside the mouth and throat and cause a feeling of burning and pain because of the toxins it produces.


An oral yeast infection can be triggered by a variety of factors. Antibiotics can do it, for instance. Other long-term drug treatments, such as chemotherapy, can also increase vulnerability to yeast infections by making the body a more fertile environment for Candida to grow in. The drugs weaken the immune system by killing off many of the so called good bacteria that keep fungi like Candida in check. Thus a course of drug treatments can increase the chance of yeast infection occurring.

Conditions that affect the immune system, such as diabetes, malnutrition and drug abuse, trigger changes that increase the likelihood of Candida growth. Yeast infections in the mouth are more common in young children and the elderly. The immune systems of babies and seniors are not strong enough to fend off small changes.

People with poorly fitting dentures are prime candidates for developing a yeast infection in the mouth. The mouth's mucous membranes are more likely to be damaged due to dentures that do not fit properly. These damaged areas may provide the gateway for Candida fungi to take hold and cause a problem.

A common symptom of oral yeast infection is a white or cream colored discharge and occasionally yellow spots within the mouth. This is often a precursor to painful stinging or burning inside the mouth and throat and can be a source of distress for children and adults.


In treating the infection, the problem's origin must be first addressed. For instance, if dentures are the trigger for the infection then you have to replace them. With this completed you can then deal with treating the problem. In most cases this involves taking antifungal medications to reduce or remove the fungi from the mouth and throat. Mostly, antifungal drugs for treating yeast infection in the mouth are in the form of pastilles. By sucking on them, the anti fungal medicine is delivered directly to the infection.

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