Have you ever checked out your tongue in the mirror to discover small white lesions in your mouth? Don’t panic – what you’re experiencing is likely totally normal, although it does require treatment. White lesions, or bumps, in the mouth are a common symptom associated with oral thrush.
What is Oral Thrush?
Candida albicans is an organism that naturally lives in every person’s mouth. If this organism, or fungus, grows too quickly, it could cause white lesions to form on the tongue, cheeks, and occasionally the roof of the mouth and gums. This condition is called oral thrush, or oral candidiasis.
Causes
Oral thrush occurs when a person’s immune system isn’t able to properly balance the “good” and “bad” organisms in the body. In this situation, the candida yeast can grow at an abnormally fast pace, causing the white lesions in the mouth. The balance of candida albicans can also be interrupted by the use of antibiotic medications.
Risk Factors
Oral thrush is most common among people with weakened immune systems, due to young or old age, disease, or medications. Risk factors for the infection include:
- HIV/AIDS – People with this immune-weakening disease have a greater chance of developing oral thrush
- Cancer – Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation can also weaken the immune system
- Diabetes – Sugar in the mouth encourages the growth of candida fungus, and those with untreated diabetes by have a large amount of sugar in their saliva
- Elderly – Older adults run a higher risk of developing the infection, especially if they wear dentures
- Infants – Oral thrush is very common among infants, as they haven’t yet had time for their immune systems to fully develop
How to Treat the White Lesions in Your Mouth
Oral thrush can be treated with an antifungal medication provided by your dentist or doctor. Some of the medications that work best for patients with HIV/AIDS include fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole and clotrimazole.
Contact Dr. Wolnik
If you are experiencing white lesions in your mouth, or would like to learn more about oral thrush, contact Dr. Wolnik’s office today. Dr. Wolnik provides comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages in Parma Heights, Ohio. Give us a call at (440) 888-5055 or send us an email at [email protected] to set up an appointment.