How to Recognize and Treat Oral Thrush
How to Recognize and Treat Oral Thrush
Oral thrush may sound like a minor nuisance, but if left untreated, it can lead to discomfort, swallowing difficulties, and even more serious infections—especially in infants, seniors, or those with weakened immune systems.
At Gargi’s Dental Care, Kolkata, we often treat patients who are unaware they have oral thrush until symptoms worsen. Let’s explore what oral thrush looks like, why it occurs, and how to treat and prevent it effectively.
What Is Oral Thrush?
Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection in the mouth caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans—a type of yeast that naturally lives in the mouth in small amounts. When the immune system is compromised or the oral environment changes, this yeast can multiply rapidly, leading to visible symptoms.
Who Is at Risk of Oral Thrush?
Oral thrush can affect anyone, but it's most common in:
- Infants and older adults
- People with weakened immune systems
- Individuals with diabetes
- Denture wearers
- People using inhaled corticosteroids (for asthma or COPD)
- Those taking antibiotics or chemotherapy
- Smokers
How to Recognize Oral Thrush
Symptoms of oral thrush are usually easy to spot once you know what to look for:
- Creamy white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, tonsils, or roof of the mouth
- Redness or soreness underneath the white patches
- Burning sensation or pain while eating or swallowing
- Cracking or redness at the corners of the mouth
- Loss of taste or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
- In severe cases, difficulty swallowing
For denture wearers, thrush can also cause denture-related stomatitis, where the tissue beneath the denture becomes inflamed and sore.
How Oral Thrush Is Diagnosed
At Gargi’s Dental Care, we can often diagnose oral thrush with a simple visual examination. In some cases, we may take a small sample (oral swab) to confirm the presence of Candida under a microscope or via lab testing—especially if symptoms persist or are unusual.
Treatment Options for Oral Thrush
Treatment depends on the severity of the infection and your overall health. Common approaches include:
Antifungal Medications
Your dentist may prescribe:
- Antifungal mouth rinses (like nystatin)
- Lozenges or tablets that dissolve in the mouth
- Oral antifungal capsules (such as fluconazole) for more severe or systemic infections
Improved Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential to recovery and includes:
- Brushing twice daily with a soft toothbrush
- Flossing once a day
- Cleaning dentures thoroughly every night
- Rinsing your mouth after using steroid inhalers
Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments
Cutting down on sugar and yeast-heavy foods can help reduce the overgrowth of Candida. Staying hydrated and avoiding mouth irritants (like alcohol or tobacco) can also promote healing.
Addressing the Underlying Cause
If dry mouth, poorly fitted dentures, diabetes, or medications are contributing to the infection, these will need to be managed to prevent recurrence.
When to See a Dentist
If you notice white patches in your mouth that won’t wipe off, or if you’re experiencing discomfort while eating or swallowing, don’t wait for it to clear on its own.
At Gargi’s Dental Care, Kolkata, we diagnose and treat oral thrush with care and discretion. We’ll also help you understand what’s triggering it and guide you through lasting prevention strategies.
Preventing Oral Thrush
Here are a few simple ways to lower your risk:
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene
- Rinse your mouth after using steroid inhalers
- Clean dentures daily and remove them at night
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups
- Stay hydrated and limit sugar intake
- Treat dry mouth or underlying health conditions promptly
Expert Dental Care for Oral Infections in Kolkata
Oral thrush can be uncomfortable, but with the right care, it’s completely treatable. If you're experiencing symptoms or have recurring oral infections, book a consultation at Gargi’s Dental Care today. Our team will get to the root of the problem and help you restore comfort and oral balance.
