Oral yeast infection is caused by a fungus called Candida. This fungus is present in small amounts in the mouth, vagina, digestive tract and skin. Among healthy people, the “friendly” bacteria and the immune system prevent the fungus to cause an infection. However, when the immune system is weakened or damaged, as might be the case with HIV infection is more likely to candida to develop and produce the disease.
Oral yeast infection is also called thrush, and is a fungal infection that occurs in the mouth and / or throat. In addition to oral yeast infection, yeast infection of the throat is called esophageal yeast infection.
Although oral yeast infection can sometimes occur without the presence of symptoms, the most commons ones are; discomfort and burning in the mouth and throat and an altered sense of taste (often described as “bad flavor”).
It is also common in oral yeast infection the appearance of white or yellowish plaques in the mouth and throat, which can be removed by light scraping. They may be accompanied by cracking, redness, pain and swelling at the corners of the mouth. A chronic case can include mouth sores.
Certain drugs can alter the natural organisms found in the mouth, which can foster the emergence of oral yeast infection. Among them there is the widespread use of antibiotics, steroids and oral contraceptives with high estrogen content. Other factors that may cause yeast infection are diabetes, pregnancy, iron deficiency, folic acid, B12 vitamin, zinc and antihistamines.
Infections caused by the appearance of oral yeast infection are usually diagnosed by its appearance and certain symptoms. The diagnosis can be confirmed by scraping a lesion and examining it under a microscope. When the infection doesn’t disappear after a correct treatment it is usually recommended other laboratory test in order to end with oral yeast infection.
In order to avoid the proliferation of oral yeast infection, it is vital to take some precautions. Firstly if you are prone to mouth infections, it is crucial to avoid overuse of mouthwashes and mouth sprays, they can alter the normal balance of candida and bacteria in your mouth.
On the other hand, a correct alimentation results important in the treatment of oral yeast infection and it is necessary to decrease the consumption of sugar and foods and drinks that contain yeast like bread, wine, and beer.
With regard to babies, and knowing that oral yeast infection is an infection that often occurs in high percentages of children, is recommended the use of disposable dummies and try to avoid the unnecessary use of antibiotics.
