Have you ever wondered, what is the cheesy-like thing on your child’s tongue that makes him or her cry? It is called thrush in mouth for kids while for adults it is called candidosis or moniliasis. This makes you wonder, how in the world your child got the thrush in mouth, how can you get rid of the infection, and how to prevent the thrush in mouth problem altogether.
Thrush in mouth (commonly known as oral thrush or candidiasis of the mouth) is a fungal infection caused by the genus candida that affects the mucus membranes of the mouth, more common on the tongue but can infect the gums, back of the cheeks, and the mouth roof. Candida Albicans is the most common species that causes thrush in mouth but Candida Glabrata or Candida Tropicalis can also be a culprit. Thrush in mouth can affect anyone but is more common in children and babies because of the lack of pro-biotic that can fight Candida. People with dentures like braces and false teeth can be infected because those things can harbor fungus. Asthmatic patients using corticosteroids (oral tablets or inhalers) are susceptible for infections because corticosteroids lower the immune system of the body. Those with poor immune system such as people with HIV/AIDS and cancer can develop thrush in mouth because of the drugs they are taking and receiving. Also, diabetics can develop thrush in mouth. Symptoms of thrush in mouth include creamy white to yellow substance inside the mouth that are usually raised and may appear inflamed, pain, bleeds when scraped, loss of taste, and cottony sensation on the tongue. Babies may refuse feeding because of the pain and can have occasional drooling. Breastfeeding moms can be infected by these fungi too; the sign is tender and cracked breast nipples.
Thrush in mouth can be easily treated but can be very serious if not treated.
Thrush in mouth can reach the esophagus and you may experience difficulty in eating. Diagnosis for this kind of thrush infection is easy by just simply looking at the infected site and getting a sample. A blood test may be ordered and endoscopic examination could be done if the thrush in mouth infection has breached the esophagus and stomach. Thrush in mouth can be treated with topical anti-fungal agents that are gargled and swallowed by the patient; examples are nystatin, miconazole, and gentian violet. For infants, the gel can be put on the finger and rub on the tongue and inside the mouth of the baby depending on the doctor’s order, although oral drops are now available to ease administration. For people with thrush in mouth who are immuno-compromised, they are usually given a systemic treatment drug to treat thrush in mouth infection like Fluconazole that is given either orally or intra-venously.
Since medications for thrush in mouth are getting expensive nowadays, there are alternative medications that can be administered at home that are proven to be effective in treating thrush in mouth. Gargle with saline water three times a day after meals to kill germs inside the mouth. Avoid eating foods high in sugar because germs like fungi feed on it. Having so many sugars in your mouth can promote the growth of Candida. If sweets cannot be prevented, always gargle and brush your teeth after eating to eliminate recurring thrush in mouth. Drink plenty of water to promote production of saliva. Saliva reduces the acidity of the mouth and slows down the multiplications of germs and thrush in mouth. Eat natural yogurts to treat thrush in mouth; yogurts contain good bacteria that are proven to kill opportunistic germs that cause thrush in mouth. When eating yogurt, let it stay in your mouth for few seconds before swallowing. Boost you immune system by having enough rest and taking vitamin C and zinc every day. Sleep for at least 8 hours a day because only when people are sleeping that the body can make its repairs. Vitamin C increases the potency of our immune system, while zinc has been discovered to be a wonder mineral which can help cure almost everything including thrush in mouth. Having thrush in mouth is very painful so avoid eating solid food because it can bruise the infected site causing further damage. Eat only soup and soft food that can be easily swallowed.
Prevention is still better than curing thrush in mouth infections. To prevent thrush in mouth or oral Candidiasis in your baby, always sterilize all things that the child put in his or her mouth. These include dummies, teats, pacifiers, and feeding bottles. Always have your baby sip sterile water after drinking milk to rinse the residue because formula milk is a good feed for Candida and thrush in mouth fungi. Breastfeeding is still best for baby because it increase the undeveloped immune system of the infant. For adults with dentures, always clean false teeth regularly and good oral hygiene should always be practiced especially for those who have braces and retainers. Diabetes control is very important because high sugar in the body can promote Candida growth, or if thrush in mouth is already present it can worsen the condition. Avoid having dry mouth, especially for smokers, dry mouth promotes bacterial growth. To prevent dry mouth drink plenty of water to moisten your mouth at least 8 glasses of fluids a day, consult your doctor about changing your medication if it causes oral thrush, and stop smoking. For people who are practicing Candida infection control, they should avoid foods with yeast and high sugar content such as beer, soda, ice cream and among others. The most important of all is good oral hygiene; always brush your teeth three times a day after meal. Although mouth washes can kill bacteria, excessive use can also eliminate the natural flora of your mouth that fights fungi infections and lead to more thrush in mouth outbreaks. It is still better to use salted water for your gargling and it still effective for thrush in mouth.
Knowledge is still your best power to fight thrush in mouth problems.
It is important to know what causes the thrush in mouth problem and how to treat and prevent this kind of infection, especially if you have a baby who is defenseless against the Candida. Thrush in mouth, oral thrush and other forms of candida can really impact your health and should be taken seriously.
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