Thrush (oral candidiasis)

Description Thrush (candidiasis...

Description

Thrush (candidiasis) is a fungal infection in the mouth. It is caused by yeasts belonging to the genus Candida. An overgrowth of yeast causes white patches on the corners of the mouth, the insides of the cheeks, the tongue, roof of the mouth and throat. It is common in babies and can be acquired during delivery. Older children, adults, or the elderly are more likely to get thrush if they are diabetic, malnourished, wearing dentures, or receiving treatment with steroids, antibiotics, or cancer chemotherapy

Symptoms

Bad taste in mouth, decreased taste sensation, and white patches found on the tongue, roof of mouth, back of throat, or corners of the mouth. Sometimes thrush patches are painful, but often they are not.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The dentist will test the white patch by scraping off a sample. If the diagnosis is in question, this will be sent for testing. If thrush comes back after treatment, a blood test may be taken to determine if there is an underlying medical condition.

Other Specific Tests: Fungal culture, biopsy, blood tests

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine, Dentistry, Dentistry - Pediatric

Treatment

Thrush is treated with prescription antifungal medicines. For mild cases, a mouth rinse or lozenges (troches) may be used. Other medicines that tend to dry out the mouth may be changed in some cases. In otherwise healthy patients, properly treated thrush infections usually go away without damaging the skin. People with long-term illnesses or weakened immune systems may have frequent episodes of thrush. They may need to take antifungal pills.