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Unique to You ยท Oral Conditions

Oral Thrush

Oral Thrush explained in clear patient-friendly language, including what to notice, what a dentist may review, and questions to ask.

Oral Conditions

Oral thrush is a Candida yeast infection that may cause wipeable white patches, red sore tissues, burning, or altered taste.

Clinical illustration of oral thrush

Evidence-based guidance

Practical steps for oral thrush.

Overview

Oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is an overgrowth of Candida yeast in the mouth. It can appear as creamy patches that wipe away and leave redness, or as smooth red and burning tissues, and it is more likely when normal microbial or immune balance changes.

Causes

  • Candida normally lives in many mouths but can overgrow after antibiotics, immune suppression, or changes in the oral environment.
  • Inhaled corticosteroids, cancer treatment, uncontrolled diabetes, and poorly cleaned dentures are common contributors.

Contributing Factors

  • Dry mouth, smoking, nutritional problems, infancy, older age, and wearing dentures continuously may increase risk.
  • Repeated or unexplained infection can be a reason to investigate an underlying health condition.

Symptoms

  • Signs include white or yellow patches that may wipe off, red or cracked tissues, burning, soreness, altered taste, or cracks at the mouth corners.
  • Swallowing pain may indicate extension into the throat and requires medical assessment.

Diagnosis

  • A dentist or medical clinician usually diagnoses thrush from the history and appearance.
  • A scraping, culture, blood testing, or medical referral may be needed when the diagnosis is uncertain, severe, or recurrent.

Prevention

  • Clean teeth, tongue, and dentures carefully; remove dentures overnight when advised and keep their container clean.
  • Rinse after steroid inhaler use, manage dry mouth and diabetes, avoid tobacco, and use antibiotics only as prescribed.

Treatment

  • Prescription antifungal lozenges, liquids, tablets, or other medicines are selected according to severity and health status.
  • Successful care also addresses denture contamination, dry mouth, medicines, glucose control, or immune factors that allowed recurrence.
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