What Is Mouth Thrush? Why Does It Happen?
Mouth Thrush
Thrush, an infectious disease that occurs in the mouth or on the tongue, does not cause serious health problems, especially for healthy people, but it significantly reduces the quality of life. In people with weak immune systems or underlying diseases, untreated and progression of the disease can lead to much more serious problems. It is possible to cure mouth thrush with the use of medicines such as lozenges or creams, and to prevent it with some lifestyle changes and oral hygiene practices.
What Is Mouth Thrush?
Thrush is an infection caused by the spontaneous growth of the fungus candida albicans, an organism found naturally in the mouth, which multiplies much more than it should, usually on the lining of the mouth. This disease, called oral candidiasis or oral thrush, can occur on the inside of the cheeks or on the tongue. Rarely, it can spread to the palate, but occasionally it can spread to the tonsils, oesophagus or the back of the throat.
Although thrush can occur in individuals of all ages, it is much more likely to occur in infants or older adults. The disease does not cause serious health problems for normal and healthy people. However, symptoms can be much more severe in individuals with a weak immune system.
Individuals In The Risk Group
Individuals in the risk group in mouth thrush are listed as follows:
- Individuals using dentures,
- Individuals with a weak immune system,
- Individuals undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy,
- Adults or infants using corticosteroid inhalers or inhalers,
- People with permanent dry mouth, also called xerostomia.
Individuals in any of these groups are much more likely to encounter thrush. Therefore, they can apply for preventive treatments that they can perform individually or get support from a physician.
Why Does Mouth Thrush Occur?
The main cause of mouth thrush is the overgrowth of candida albicans fungus in the mouth.
Common causes of mouth thrush can be listed as follows:
- Weakening of the immune system due to illness or the use of medications such as predzionan,
- Changes in the balance of microorganisms in the body due to the use of antibiotics,
- The balance between good and bad microbes is disturbed and the natural mechanisms that protect the body are weakened,
- The body is weakened by diseases such as vaginal yeast infections, cancer, AIDS/HIV or diabetes.
As you can see, mouth thrush is largely related to a weakened immune system. Whatever the cause, it can be treated with the right medical advice.
Methods Of Combating Mouth Thrush
The first aim after the diagnosis of the disease by physicians is to stop the spread of the candida albicans fungus. Of course, the age of the patients, the general health condition and the state of the infection are decisive for the method to be applied. In addition, the underlying causes must also be identified in order to develop a correct treatment method.
The treatment methods that can be applied depending on different causes in mouth thrush are as follows:
- The use of antifungal medicines in the form of lozenges, tablets or mouthwash for both adults and children,
- Anti-fungal creams to prevent thrush from travelling between mother and baby.
However, in some cases, some precautions taken before the disease occurs or in its early stages can help to cure this disease, which reduces the quality of life, before it becomes severe.
Lifestyle Changes And Precautions
Although a doctor’s control is necessary for mouth thrush, people can get rid of thrush with some lifestyle changes and care practices. We can list these changes and methods as follows:
- Make a habit of oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing regularly,
- Never share a toothbrush with others,
- If you wear mouth prostheses, clean them regularly, following the advice of your dentist,
- If the thrush forms on the nipple, use breast pads to prevent the fungus from reaching the clothes,
- Carry out regular disinfection of bottles and similar tools used,
- Reduce the consumption of sugar and sugary foods as much as possible,
- Limit smoking,
- Regularly clean the inhalers used in asthma.
In addition to all these, you can consume foods with rich probiotic sources and take probiotic supplements in consultation with your doctor.
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