What is Oral Thrush?

You may have come across the condition known as oral thrush before, or not. I thought you should know a few things about the condition, as this knowledge can be really helpful. 

Let’s get into it!

What is oral thrush?

Simply put, oral thrush is a type of fungal (or yeast) infection that develops in the mouth. It is also known as oral candidiasis. 

The particular fungus that causes oral thrush belongs to the candida species (Candida ablicans, precisely), hence the name candidiasis. A small amount of this fungal species is normally present in a healthy mouth. It lives there, just like bacteria do. However, in favourable conditions, they can rapidly multiply and lead to a fungal or yeast infection. 

How does it appear? 

Oral thrush commonly appears as whitish or creamy lesions on the surfaces of soft tissues in the mouth, that is, the tongue, cheeks, gums, palate, and tonsils. So, it is quite easy to spot when you look in a mirror.

What are the causes?

Usually, any condition that gives the fungi a chance to multiply can lead to oral thrush. These include:

Prolonged use of antibiotics: One very important function of the bacteria naturally present in a healthy mouth is that they keep the fungi from multiplying excessively. When you use antibiotics for a prolonged period, this leads to a reduction in the load of bacteria in the body, including the oral bacteria. When they are drastically reduced, they are unable to keep the fungi from multiplying.

Weak immune system: There are many consequences of a weak immune system. Most importantly, the body is neither able to properly fight existing infections nor prevent the development of new ones. If one’s immune system is weak, one of the very possible infections they will develop is oral thrush. Factors that can contribute to a weakened immune system include uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, cancer treatment, the use of immunosuppressants, and cigarette smoking, among others.

This condition is also more common in babies because their immune systems are not fully formed yet.

HIV: As the name implies, the human immunodeficiency virus makes the immune system deficient. This means that it will be too weak to fight off any growth of microorganisms. Therefore, the fungi rapidly multiply unchecked.

Denture wearing: Wearing an acrylic denture for a long time can create the ideal environment for the growth of fungi, thereby making you prone to oral candidiasis.

Is oral thrush contagious?

No!

As you earlier read, the fungus that causes oral thrush is always present in the mouth, and its number is greatly multiplied when oral thrush occurs. The organism can be easily transferred to others through various means. It can be transferred to the mouth or skin through activities like kissing, breastfeeding, or oral sex. While you can transfer the fungus, the infection itself cannot be transferred. It can only cause an infection when the conditions are favourable.

In the next edition, we will discuss other symptoms, prevention, and treatment of the condition. Be the first to see it by subscribing to the newsletter. Click here to subscribe.