Definition

Thrush is an infection of the mouth. It usually begins on the tongue and inside of the cheeks, and spread to the roof of the mouth, gums, tonsils, and throat.

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Causes

Thrush is caused by yeast, a type of fungus. The immune system can normally fight off this fungus but the fungus can grow and spread if the immune system is weakened.

Risk Factors

Certain situations can weaken the immune system or change the normal bacterial balance in the mouth or body. These changes increase the risk of thrush. Other factors include:

• Health conditions such as:
  • HIV infection
  • Diabetes
  • Certain types of cancer

• Certain medications such as:
  • Oral or inhaled corticosteroids
  • Medications that treat psychiatric conditions
  • Antibiotics

• Imbalance of healthy bacteria in the mouth which can be caused by:
  • Wearing dentures or mouth guards
  • Prolonged illness
  • Conditions that cause a dry mouth

Symptoms

In some cases, you may not have symptoms. In those that have symptoms, thrush may cause:

• White or red patches on the inside of the cheeks or tongue that may or may not come off when rubbed
• Sore mouth or throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Differences in taste
• Fissures or cracks in the mouth

Thrush can spread beyond the mouth. Complications include infections that spread to the:

• Esophagus—the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach
• Urinary tract
• Whole body— sepsis causes multiple organ failure and death

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done, including an inspection of your mouth. Diagnosis can usually be made based on your symptoms. Your doctor may take a sample of cells from the affected area to examine under a microscope.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to restore the normal balance of bacteria and yeast in the mouth. If any underlying conditions contribute to thrush, they will also be treated.

Treatments include:

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of thrush:

• Maintain proper oral hygiene.
• Limit your use of mouthwashes and mouth sprays. These can upset the normal balance of yeast and bacteria in your mouth.
• If you use a corticosteroid inhaler or nasal spray, rinse your mouth thoroughly after each use.