Saturday, November 29, 2008

Signs Of Yeast Infection In The Mouth

By Rebecca Wincup

There are numerous reasons why the mucous membranes become infected. One of the most common reasons is the outbreak of the fungus, Candida albicans and to a lesser extent bacteria or disease my develop. When babies get a yeast infection in the mouth they usually call it thrush and when adults get it, it's called Candidiasis or moniliasis.

It is called a yeast infection but a more accurate description is an outbreak of the Candida fungi. While Candida is a natural part of the flora of our bodies, in the digestive tract and in women's vaginas, sometimes Candida gets out of balance in the body and grows quickly. This fungus can also live and reproduce inside the mouth and throat and cause a feeling of burning and pain because of the toxins it produces.


There are a variety of reasons why a yeast infection could occur in the mouth and throat. One of these could be taking antibiotics. Also treatments such as chemotherapy can also weaken the body's immune system and trigger a yeast infection. These drugs have been known to cause a favorable area for Candida growth. There are other microorganisms that keep yeast in place. When the body has these other drugs in the system; the Candida fungi is able to grow in excessive amounts.


Diabetes, drug abuse, malnutrition, and a weak immune system also cause changes that make Candida grow more rapidly. Babies and those of advanced age tend more towards developing yeast infections in the mouth. Their immune systems are not strong enough to withstand even a small change in the environment.


People who have perfectly fitted dentures are less likely to develop yeast infections in the mouth. Dentures that are not correctly fitted can cause damage to the mucous membranes inside the mouth which in turn can cause the Candida fungi to grow.

A common symptom of oral yeast infection is a white or cream colored discharge and occasionally yellow spots within the mouth. This is often a precursor to painful stinging or burning inside the mouth and throat and can be a source of distress for children and adults.

Sorting out oral yeast infection is a two step process. You have to address the cause of the problem first. If it seems to be dentures that are causing the problem, then the first step would be to replace them. Then you can treat the infection. You may need to take antifungal drugs to get rid of the fungi from your mouth and throat. Usually, the type of drug used to treat oral yeast problems are in pastille form. You suck on the pastilles so that the anti fungal medicine acts directly on the infection. - 14915

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