Tongue thrush

March 06, 2022

  

Tongue thrush is a common ailment that is caused by a yeast or fungal infection. It is also known as oral thrush or candidiasis. It is more common in small children and in adults who have weak immunity. Though mild cases may clear up with home remedies, it should not be left untreated as it can spread to the throat and food pipe. In rare cases it may reach your blood stream affecting other organs in the body.

Symptoms for tongue/oral thrush

Tongue thrush is easy to recognize due to its characteristic cottage cheese like patches on the tongue.

• Tongue thrush causes small bumps on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums and tonsils.
• These are white or yellow in color.
• They may leave a cotton like feeling in your mouth.
• You may experience a burning sensation in the affected areas.
• Light bleeding may occur if they are scraped.
• The corners of the lips may be dry and cracked.
• Eating and swallowing may be painful in acute cases.
• The sense of taste may be disrupted or there may be loss of taste.

Causes

Tongue thrush is caused by a yeast infection, namely the Candida Albicans fungus. Though it is always present in our bodies in small amounts, problem arises when there is a spurt in their growth. This sudden overgrowth may be caused due to imbalance in the beneficial microorganisms in the body. The most common reason for this is taking antibiotics, cancer treatment, and chemotherapy, among others. Persons who use dentures also have increased incidence of oral thrush.

Oral thrush is quite common in breastfed infants. It becomes a vicious circle where the baby might get it from the mother while feeding or may pass it on to the mother. The solution to this is to maintain good hygiene while breast feeding. It is advisable to get treatment both for the mother and the baby.

Underlying issues

Certain health problems predispose a person towards thrush.
• A person who has uncontrolled diabetes is more likely to develop it.
• Someone with HIV or AIDS who has weak immunity, may have more severe forms of thrush.
• Dry mouth is another predisposing factor.
• Use of corticosteroids, especially if they are inhaled, disturb the natural balance of microorganisms within the mouth.
• Persons who have oral thrush may pass it on to their partner through kissing only if he or she has a weakened immunity.
• Tongue thrush can also be communicated through oral sex.
• Cancer patients sometimes get a severe form of tongue thrush which may spread to the food pipe due to the illness itself or as a side-effect of chemotherapy and radiation.

Tongue thrush treatment

Mild cases of tongue thrush resolve on their own with self-care. For persons with more severe form, treatment consists of anti-fungal medicines such as fluconazole or clotrimazole. These are to be taken from 10 to 14 days for the infection to clear completely. You may be advised to use an anti-fungal mouthwash to help clear the infection. It should resolve within 2 weeks on treatment. However, it can linger or worsen if not treated. Some people get repeated tongue thrush infections. In such situations there is likely to be an underlying health issue which needs to be treated.

Home remedies for treating tongue thrush

Simple home remedies work for mild cases of tongue thrush. One can rinse the mouth with salt water to clear up thrush. Other options for salt water are diluted apple cider vinegar, lemon water or baking soda in place of salt water.  One can also take probiotics which help to improve the balance of microorganisms within the mouth. Yoghurt is a natural probiotic and can easily be added in your diet.

Prevention

• Maintain good oral hygiene and brush your teeth twice daily.
• Avoid sugary foods
• Stop smoking
• Rinse your mouth after using inhaler
• Avoid mouth rinses that dry out your mouth.
• Keep your dentures clean and ensure they fit properly.
• Change your toothbrush once the infection is treated

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