Oral thrush is a disorder caused by infection of the mouth with the fungus (yeast) Candida albicans.
Alternative names  Candidiasis - oral; Moniliasis - oral. Candida Albicans can also contribute to feminine Yeast Infections, digestive health problems and other health issues.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors The mouth normally contains many microorganisms. One of these normal microorganisms is the fungus Candida albicans, which is the same fungus associated with vaginal yeast infections or other Candida infections. The growth of Candida is normally kept under control by the presence of normal bacteria.

Uncontrolled overgrowth of Candida in the mouth may be caused by factors that reduce the natural resistance, such as illness, stress, long-term use of corticosteroids or medications that suppress the immune system, and immune disorders such as AIDS.
 

It may also be caused by conditions that upset the balance of normal microorganisms in the mouth. This is most commonly associated with use of antibiotics, but it may also occur with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and with the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy or the use of birth control pills.

Oral thrush is most common in infants and toddlers, in the elderly, and in people who are debilitated or whose immune system has been suppressed by disease or medical treatments.

Prevention
People with recurrent outbreaks of oral thrush, or those who are at very high risk for development of the disorder, may be given prophylactic (preventive) antifungal medications. If an infant who is breast feeding has oral thrush, the mother also should use a topical antifungal medication on her nipples to prevent continuous spread to the infant. Regular use of a yeast maintenance product such as ThreeLac Candida Defense can also help to keep yeast overgrowth at bay. Try ThreeLac as a part of a Yeast Recovery Pack.

In bottle-fed babies, discard the nipples and buy new ones as the babies mouth begins to clear because the fungus may get into the nipples and can not be easily eradicated.

Symptoms
Ulcer/skin lesion in the mouth (usually on the tongue or inner cheeks)
Painful
Slightly raised area
Creamy white appearance
May appear curd-like ("cottage cheese" appearance)
Dry mouth
Signs and tests
An examination of the mouth by the health care provider or dentist shows distinctive lesions of the mouth, tongue, or cheeks. Lesions are easily brushed away revealing a reddened, tender area that may bleed slightly.

A microscopic examination of tissue from a lesion can confirm Candida infection, but usually the diagnosis is made by simple physical examination. Visit the ThreeLac Candida Defense Page for more information.