Oral thrush (candidiasis): symptoms, causes and treatments 🦠

White tongue , burning sensation, suspicious patches... These signs may indicate a fairly common fungal infection: oral thrush , also known as candidiasis . Although it's generally benign, it can be bothersome and deserves attention. In this article, we'll help you understand its causes, recognize the symptoms, and know what to do to get rid of it (and prevent it from coming back).

*This article does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional.

Oral thrush , also known as candidiasis or oral thrush , is a fungal infection that develops inside the mouth. It is caused by a fungus of the genus Candida , most commonly Candida albicans .

This fungus is a natural part of our bodies, especially in the oral flora. But sometimes the balance becomes unbalanced, and it can multiply excessively, causing visible and sometimes uncomfortable, even painful, lesions.

This infection particularly affects:

• Infants (thrush),

• People with a weakened immune system (treatments, chronic diseases),

• Denture wearers ,

• People taking antibiotics or corticosteroids ,

Smokers or those with questionable oral hygiene.

For adults, the signs are quite recognizable:

• Light whitish deposits (a bit like curdled milk) on the tongue, palate or inside of the cheeks,

• Burning or irritating sensation , especially when eating or drinking,

• Discomfort when swallowing or slight pain

• Unpleasant or metallic taste that persists,

• Redness and small cracks at the corners of the lips (angular cheilitis)

Although toddlers naturally cannot tell us what they are feeling, there are still some signs that can alert us:

• White patches on the tongue, gums or roof of the mouth (do not come off when cleaned)

• Irritability or frequent crying , especially when breastfeeding 🍼

• Difficulty breastfeeding (decreased appetite)

Also note a risk of transmission to the breastfeeding mother (nipple pain, redness)!

Please note, oral candidiasis should not be confused with:

• Canker sores (isolated painful ulcers),

• Oral herpes (grouped blisters),

• Mechanical irritation (dental appliance, food burn).

As always, only a professional will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and remove any doubt.

As you might expect, an oral thrush never appears by chance. Most often, it stems from an imbalance in the oral flora. This system can be disrupted by medications, poor hygiene, or a weakened immune system, allowing the Candida albicans fungus to proliferate and cause candidiasis.

Certain behaviors or health conditions can promote this fungal development.

To help you better understand the factors that contribute to this, here is a small summary table:

Remember that proper hygiene and appropriate medical monitoring greatly reduce the risk of occurrence.

To find out if you have an oral thrush, simply visit your dentist or general practitioner. A healthcare professional remains and will remain the reference for diagnosing this type of condition. Sometimes, a buccal swab or fungal swab can be taken to check for the presence of Candida.

So consider consulting:

• If the small lesions do not disappear after a few days,

• If you experience significant pain or frequent burning,

• If you have a weakened immune system or have been taking antibiotics for a long time.

To treat oral thrush, we mainly use antifungals prescribed by a healthcare professional:

• Local treatment: antifungal mouthwashes, gels or lozenges (e.g. miconazole, nystatin)

• Oral treatment: if the infection is widespread or comes back often (fluconazole, itraconazole)

These treatments are often effective within 7 to 14 days .

Some natural methods can be useful, in addition to medical treatments:

• Baking soda : it helps make the mouth more alkaline and limits the proliferation of fungi,

• Coconut oil : it has mild antifungal properties,

• Probiotics : They help maintain the balance of flora.

⚠️ Self-medication is not recommended, especially for those at risk. Always seek professional advice.

• Use of a suitable antifungal gel (prescribed by a pediatrician),

• Strict hygiene of baby bottles, teats, pacifiers,

• Frequent hand washing, sterilization of suction objects.

To avoid oral thrush, it's essential to take good care of your oral flora and avoid factors that could upset its balance. Whether you've already had oral thrush or simply want to avoid it, here are some daily habits to adopt.

Brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes is the basics. And remember:

• To use a mild toothpaste ,

• To clean your tongue (with a tongue scraper or a soft brush),

• Change your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months,

• Use dental floss or interdental brushes to prevent deposits between teeth.

For those who wear dentures, daily and thorough cleaning is essential. Remember to remove them at night and use cleaning tablets or a suitable product.

Eating a diet that is too sugary or rich in simple carbohydrates can promote the growth of Candida. It is recommended to:

• Reduce sugary foods (pastries, sodas, candy),

• Limit alcohol and tobacco,

• Favor a diet rich in fiber, fresh vegetables, and natural probiotics (yogurt, kefir, raw sauerkraut).

Certain medications such as antibiotics, inhaled corticosteroids, or immunosuppressive treatments can disrupt the balance of oral flora. To prevent this:

• Rinse your mouth after each dose (especially for inhaled corticosteroids),

• Do not stop treatment without medical advice , but inform your doctor if you experience symptoms.

Certain chronic conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or HIV increase the risk of oral thrush. Proper blood sugar control and regular medical monitoring are essential.

Chronic stress can also weaken immunity. Adopting a healthy lifestyle (sleep, physical activity, relaxation) helps maintain your natural defenses.

Oral thrush is fairly common and generally harmless, especially if caught and treated early. To prevent it from recurring, remember to take good care of your mouth, eat a balanced diet, and follow your doctor's advice.