口腔の健康と歯の管理

概要

Oral Thrush: A Candida Infection of Mouth

Sophie Kate

The figure shows two sets of oral cavities; the normal oral cavity (left) and one with Oral thrush (right), also called ‘thrush’ or oral candidiasis. [1] It’s a yeast infection caused when Candida Albicans colonises in and on the lining of mouth causing creamy white lesions, usually on tongue or inner cheeks. It is very common in infants [2]. The infection may also extend to the roof of the mouth, gums or tonsils, or the back of the throat causing sore throat. Sources of this infection are antibiotic use, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, dentures and partials, diabetes, dry mouth, immune system deficiencies such as HIV, corticosteroid use (inhalers), smoking, chlorine, IUDs etc. Methods to prevent oral thrush include maintaining good oral hygiene, rinsing mouth or brushing teeth after using inhaled corticosteroids or application of antifungal medicine in the oral cavity for 7 to 14 days for treatment [3].