The Truth About Thrush

By Heather Colman

Thrush is a fungal mouth infection that is caused by yeast, also known as Candida fungus. Even though every person has a small about of yeast in their bodies, most people have the ability to naturally combat the yeast with helpful microorganisms and bacteria in their bodies. Thrush is considered a common occurrence in infants and younger children. However, it is important to know that adults and those who have a suppressed immune system can find they have thrush as well.

What causes Thrush?

There are specific illnesses and medications that can lead to thrush, some medications can cause occurrences as well. Specific medications can cause thrush because it will offset the balance your body harbors naturally of bacteria and organisms known to fight yeast. Such medications could include antibiotics, birth control, and corticosteroids. If a person is infected with some sort of illness, they too can experience a thrush infection. Some illnesses and conditions that are linked to thrush include dry mouth, cancer, pregnancy, HIV, and diabetes. Other reasons that can lead to thrush include ill-fitting dentures, a breast feeding mother and smoking.

How will I know if I have Thrush?

If you notice, literally overnight, the presence of white bumps along your tongue, cheeks, tonsils, gums, or roof of your mouth you can just about be sure you have thrush. You can usually compare their appearance to that of cottage cheese and they can be extremely painful. If the thrush is severe, it may spread beyond the mouth and into the esophagus. If this occurs, you could experience some difficulty or pain in swallowing and a fever if it spreads further than the esophagus.

What is the Cure for Thrush?

Once you have visited your doctor and had thrush properly diagnosed through any one of the many tests he or she could perform, he or she will likely prescribe medications to help in curing thrush. Antifungal medication is available in many forms. These can include pills, liquids, or lozenges. What caused the thrush and how old you are will help determine the type of treatment your doctor recommends. Typically the treatment will last anywhere from ten to fourteen days.

It is important that you always take good care of your body and your mouth in order to prevent the occurrence of thrush. Brushing twice daily and flossing once daily will help reduce your risks of thrush. Also be sure to see your dentist on a regular basis. This is especially true if you are a person who wears dentures or you have diabetes.

Disclaimer – The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please seek professional medical advice for more information on thrush.

About the Author: Copyright 2006, Heather Colman. Find more

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