Oral Candidiasis Meaning, Causes and More

By shirley

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Oral Thrush.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 8 Mar. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/oral-thrush/symptoms-causes/syc-20353533
• 2. 'Thrush: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments & Prevention.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10956-thrush
• 3. 'Oral Thrush (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth.' Edited by Michelle P. Tellado, KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation, Sept. 2019, kidshealth.org/en/parents/thrush.html
• 4. 'Candida Infections of the Mouth, Throat, and Esophagus.' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25 Feb. 2021, www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/thrush/index.html
• 5. Thompson, George R, et al. 'Oropharyngeal Candidiasis in the Era of Antiretroviral Therapy.' Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Apr. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2843789/
• 6. 'Candidiasis.' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30 Oct. 2020, www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/index.html

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The fungus called Candida albicans is normally present in the mouths of healthy people. If an overgrowth of this organism occurs, a person develops an infection called oral candidiasis or thrush.

Oral candidiasis can affect anyone, but it's often seen in infants and the elderly. In healthy individuals, this infection is usually a minor issue and easy to control. Those with weakened immune systems, however, may experience more serious symptoms and may find the infection more difficult to treat. If the underlying cause isn't rectified, oral candidiasis may recur. In some cases, the infection can pass from one person to another.¹‘Oral Thrush.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 8 Mar. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/oral-thrush/symptoms-causes/syc-20353533

Symptoms of Oral Candidiasis in Kids and Adults

Oral candidiasis may cause slightly raised white lesions to appear on the tongue and inner cheeks. They sometimes spread to the gums and roof of the mouth and, occasionally, to the tonsils and throat. The lesions may bleed a bit if disturbed. The corners of the mouth may redden and split. The person may notice a cottony feel in the mouth with burning or pain that makes eating or swallowing difficult, and they may lose their sense of taste.

People who wear dentures may develop painful irritation beneath the dentures. If the infection spreads into the esophagus, the individual may have swallowing issues.¹‘Oral Thrush.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 8 Mar. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/oral-thrush/symptoms-causes/syc-20353533

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