What Is Oral Thrush In Adults? , Causes Oral Thrush

Oral thrush (oral candidiasis) is a condition in which the fungus Candida albicans causes an infection on the lining of the mouth. It is also known as "Thrush". When occurring in the mouth or throat of adults it may also be termed candidosis or moniliasis.

Oral thrush causes white lesions, usually on the tongue or inner cheeks. The lesions can be painful and may bleed slightly when they are scraped. The infected mucosa of the mouth may appear inflamed and red. Sometimes the condition may spread to the roof of the mouth, gums, tonsils or the back of the throat. It is also possible to get thrush in other parts of the body, such as the vagina, nappy area or nail folds.

According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary, oral thrush is:

"Infection of the oral tissues with Candida albicans; often an opportunistic infection in humans with AIDS or those suffering from other conditions that depress the immune system; also common in normal infants who have been treated with antibiotics."

For healthy people, oral thrush is a minor problem. But it may be more severe and difficult to control for people who have a weakened immune system.

Oral thrush most commonly affects people who wear dentures. People who have difficulty keeping their mouth clean, people with diabetes and those who take steroids are also at a higher risk of developing the condition.

Some antibiotics may cause thrush, especially if taken over a long period. A dry mouth caused by certain drugs, or after chemotherapy or radiotherapy to the head and neck, may also lead to thrush. Very rarely, oral thrush is one of the early signs of HIV.

What are the causes of oral thrush?

Oral thrush and other candida infections can occur when the immune system is weakened by disease or drugs such as prednisone, or when antibiotics disturb the natural balance of microorganisms in the body.

The immune system works to repel harmful invading organisms, such as viruses, bacteria and fungi, while maintaining a balance between "good" and "bad" microbes that normally inhabit the body. When these protective mechanisms fail, an oral thrush infection can start.

Thrush infections are caused by an increase in the levels of fungus (yeast) naturally present in the mouth. Yeasts may grow and cause symptoms if:

* the immune system is weakened
* the healthy bacteria normally found in the mouth are killed
* very little saliva is produced
* there are changes in the acidity of the mouth

These illnesses increase the risk of oral thrush infection:

* HIV/AIDS. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) damages or destroys cells of the immune system. It increases the risk of opportunistic infections that the body would normally resist. Repeated bouts of oral thrush may be the first sign of an HIV infection.
* Cancer. The immune system is likely to be weakened both from the disease and from treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, increasing the risk of candida infections such as oral thrush.
* Diabetes mellitus. In people who do not know they have diabetes or if the disease is not well controlled, the saliva may contain large amounts of sugar, which encourages the growth of candida.
* Vaginal yeast infections. Vaginal yeast infections are caused by the same fungus that causes oral thrush. Although a yeast infection is not dangerous, pregnant women can pass the fungus to the baby during delivery. As a result, the newborn may develop oral thrush.

Signs and symptoms of oral thrush

A symptom is something the patient feels and reports, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor detect. For example, pain may be a symptom while a rash may be a sign.

Initially, oral thrush symptoms may not be noticeable. Many mild oral thrush infections are painless, although the condition can sometimes become quite sore.

Signs and symptoms may develop suddenly, but they may persist for a long time and can include:

* A cottony feeling in the mouth
* Cracking at the corners of your mouth
* Creamy, white lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks and sometimes on the roof of the mouth, gums and tonsils
* Lesions with a cottage cheese-like appearance
* Loss of taste
* Pain
* Slight bleeding if the lesions are rubbed or scraped

People who wear dentures, and have them taken out, may be able to see a very red area where the dentures have been.

In severe cases, the lesions may spread downward into the esophagus. This may cause difficulty swallowing or an uncomfortable feeling as if food is getting stuck in the throat.

Infants and breast-feeding mothers

Infants may develop the distinctive white mouth lesions. They may have trouble feeding or be fussy and irritable. During breast-feeding, babies can also pass the infection to their mothers. The infection may then pass back and forth between mother's breasts and baby's mouth. Women whose breasts are infected with candida may experience the following signs and symptoms:

* Shiny or flaky skin on the areola
* Stabbing pains deep within the breast
* Unusual pain during nursing or painful nipples between feedings
* Unusually red, sensitive or itchy nipples

Seek medical care if those signs and symptoms appear. In older children, an underlying condition such as diabetes may be the cause.

ReWrite From : medicalnewstoday.com

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Oral Health Hygiene Tips Offer

February is National Children's Dental Health Month and many people are unaware of the important role early dental care plays in children's overall health.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that parents take action early to insure the health of their children's teeth because attitudes and habits established at an early age are critical in maintaining good oral health throughout life.

Dental Visits

The ADA recommends regular dental check-ups, including a visit to the dentist within six months of the eruption of the first tooth, and no later than the child's first birthday. Preventive care such as cleanings and fluoride treatment provide your child with "smile" insurance. Routine dental exams uncover problems that can be treated in the early stages, when damage is minimal and restorations may be small. When necessary, X-rays are taken to see how the teeth are developing and to spot hidden decay.

Early Childhood Caries (Baby Bottle Tooth Decay)

Baby bottle tooth decay can destroy your child's teeth. It occurs when a child is frequently exposed to sugary liquids such as milk, including breast milk, fruit juice and other sweet liquids. The ADA recommends the following steps to prevent your child from getting baby bottle tooth decay.

-- Begin clearing your baby's mouth during the first few days after birth. After every feeding, wipe the baby's gums with a damp washcloth or gauze pad to remove plaque.

-- Never allow your child to nurse or breast feed for prolonged periods and don't give him or her a bottle with milk, formula, sugar water or fruit juice during naps or at night in bed.

-- Encourage children to drink from a cup by their first birthday.

-- Discourage frequent use of a training cup.

-- Help your child develop good eating habits early and choose sensible, nutritious snacks.

Mouth Protectors

Any child involved in a recreational activity, such as soccer, hockey, football, roller blading, riding a scooter and even bicycling should wear a mouth protector. There are "stock" mouth protectors available in stores and a better-fitting variety, which are custom fitted by your dentist. Ask your dentist about using a mouth protector.

Dental Emergencies

Knowing how to handle your child's dental emergency can mean the difference between saving or losing a tooth. The ADA recommends the following tips on what to do for your child in case of:

Knocked-Out Tooth: Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse off the root of the tooth in water if it's dirty. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket. If that isn't possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk and get to the dentist as quickly as possible. Remember to take the tooth with you!

Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss or an interdental cleaner to ensure that there is no food or other debris caught between the teeth. Never put aspirin or any other painkiller against the gums near the aching tooth because it may burn the gum tissue. If the pain persists, contact your dentist.

Bitten Lip or Tongue: Clean the area gently with a cloth and apply cold compresses to reduce any swelling. If the bleeding doesn't stop, go to a hospital emergency room immediately.

Give Kids A Smile Centerpiece to National Children's Dental Health Month

While Give Kids A Smile is an annual centerpiece to National Children's Dental Health Month and is observed every year on the first Friday in February, National Children's Dental Health Month is celebrated during the entire month of February. National Children's Dental Health Month focuses on providing oral health education to all children despite their economic status.

Give Kids A Smile is designed to provide education, preventive and restorative care to children from low-income families who do not have access to care and to encourage parents, health professionals and policymakers to address this important health issue.

About the American Dental Association

The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 157,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry.

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Source: American Dental Association (ADA)

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