What is oral candidiasis? Who gets oral candidiasis? How is oral candidiasis treated?

Just about anyone can get candidiasis, but Oral candidiasis is an infection of the most it seems to occur more often in the very Several good antifungal drugs are available superficial part of the lining of the mouth that is young and in older age groups. Interestingly, for treating this infection. Some can be taken caused by the yeast-like fungal organism, this yeast-like fungus is often found in as a daily pill that is swallowed, while others Candida albicans. Unlike many other infections, the mouths of otherwise healthy people, are used as a mouth rinse or lozenge that is candidiasis does not really invade into the although in those situations, there doesn’t dissolved in the mouth four or five times daily. living parts of the body – the yeast primarily seem to be any sign of actual infection – the uses the dead (“keratinized”) cells that are yeast is said to be in a “carrier” state, and no For people who wear complete dentures (“full normally on the surface of the lining of the treatment is necessary. upper and lower plates”), the dentures must mouth for food. This organism also causes be disinfected by soaking them overnight, each vaginal yeast infections in some women. It is What causes oral candidiasis? Can I spread night, for one week using a mild bleach important to understand that this is not the this disease to my family and friends? solution (approximately one tablespoon of same yeast that is used for baking bread or bleach in a glass of water). Make sure that you brewing beer. In many cases, this organism takes advan- rinse the dentures well before putting them tage of special situations that make it possible back in your mouth. Do not put partial to cause infection. For example, if a person dentures (those that have metal) in a bleach What are the symptoms of oral candidiasis? takes an antibiotic, this kills off the competing solution because this will ruin them!! There bacteria in the mouth, making it possible for is a special disinfecting solution available for the yeast to take over. In some oral diseases partial dentures, but this usually has to be Sometimes people can tell that the yeast is that produce extra keratin, the organism will ordered from a dental supply store. present, and in those situations, they may favor infection of that lining area. Patients notice a burning or itching sensation. Other who wear dentures, especially a complete times the yeast infection is asymptomatic, and upper denture, are more likely to have the the person is unaware of the infection. yeast in their mouths. Problems with the Can oral candidiasis be cured? immune system can also cause a tendency for yeast infection, and this includes patients This infection typically is quickly cured by any What does oral candidiasis look like? who are taking cortisone-type drugs. Diabetic of the antifungal drugs that are commonly patients seem to be more likely to develop used. There is no evidence that “home oral yeast infections as well. As for spread- remedies”, such as eating yogurt, will treat oral Generally this condition causes either a red ing to your family or friends, it is likely that candidiasis. Similarly, there is no reason to or white (sometimes both) appearance to the they already have the yeast living in their avoid foods that use baker’s or brewer’s lining of the mouth. Redness and cracking of mouths anyhow, and it probably isn’t causing yeast, as a different type of yeast is used in the corners of the mouth is often seen (see any problems. those situations. However, because the yeast cover photo). Some patients will have a red, Candida albicans is a common organism, and smooth area that develops in the middle part How do doctors diagnose oral candidiasis? because some patients are prone to develop of the top of the tongue, toward the back this infection, it is not unusual for the problem (Figures 2 & 3), or on the roof of the mouth. This disease may be diagnosed based on to return at some time. Should that happen, The term “thrush” has been used to describe the clinical signs and symptoms. A culture the signs and symptoms of the yeast infection the type of candidiasis that appears as white (swab) or cytology (scraping) may be neces- can be recognized, and the infection can be flecks that look a little like cottage cheese sary to confirm that the yeast is actually treated again with appropriate antifungal drugs. (Figure 4). present in some situations.