Oral Thrush:
What it is - What causes it - What to do about it
Thrush (also known as candidiasis) is a fungal infection caused by the candida albicans fungus, or yeast. Candidiasis is the most common form of fungal infection, typically in those with a reduced immune function. Oral thrush usually presents with white lesions on the tongue or cheeks, but can spread to the gums, tonsils, throat, and the roof of the mouth. Healthy individuals can experience thrush, but it found much more frequently in those with compromised immune systems. If you're healthy, it can be treated pretty easily. However, in those with weaker immune systems the symptoms can be much more severe and more difficult to manage.
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Because thrush can affect numerous different parts of the body the signs and symptoms can vary greatly from case to case. It usually develops suddenly, but can become chronic and persist over a long period of time. The most common sign of thrush is the presence of creamy white, slightly raised lesions in the mouth. These lesions, which may have a "cottage cheese" appearance can be quite painful, and may bleed if scraped or when brushing your teeth. Symptoms associated with thrush are:
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The real danger of thrush is that it can easily spread to, and effect other parts of the body if your immune function is not performing properly. This can be a result for those who suffer from immune dysfunctions like HIV or AIDS, or those who are undergoing chemo therapy or radiation therapy for different forms of cancer. In these instances where it spreads there have been numerous cases of death from the infection.
Trace amounts of candida fungi are always present on the skin and in the mouth and digestive system of most healthy people. These fungi are usually kept in check by other bacteria and microorganisms. Certain illnesses, stress, and medications can alter the environment in the body to make it more susceptible to infections. When these situations present themselves, candida fungi can grow out of control and cause oral thrush.
Uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, dry mouth, pregnancy, and HIV are health conditions that can create environments that are more likely to be susceptible to thrush. Ill fitting dentures can be another risk factor, as well as smoking. Infants are often more likely to be affected by thrush as sometimes their immune systems are still developing, and in this case they can pass it to their mothers while breast feeding. Medications like birth control pills and antibiotics can upset the balance as well as they can eliminate some of the helpful bacteria that normally regulate candida.
Prevention of thrush weighs heavily on how well you can control the contributing factors. The candida fungus will always be around, it's just a matter of maintaining the environment required to keep it in check.
Combining the 4 Steps below, along with a 100% pure antibacterial / antifungal oral care product is the best arsenal you can give your body to fight and overcome oral thrush.
The 4 Step Oral Hygiene Program
Brush twice a day in the morning and evening using 2-5 drops of a botanical toothpaste on a toothbrush and brush normally. | |
Floss every evening before brushing - more frequently as needed. Get any food particles out from between teeth. | |
Use a botanical mouthwash twice a day: morning and evening. Just put 2-5 drops into an ounce of water, swish and gargle. This is important to kill the bacteria in the entire mouth including the back of the tongue. | |
Mid-morning, mid-afternoon and as needed: put 2-5 drops of natural botanicals on the tip of the tongue to coat the gum line and teeth to kill bacteria and keep breath fresh. |
Here are some additional tips for fighting oral thrush. These may or may not apply to everyone:
The most important thing you can do in treating and preventing oral thrush is to ensure that you're practicing good oral hygiene, and visiting your dentist every 6 months. Make sure that you brush and floss at least twice a day, and choose products that will not allow for more fungi or bacteria to grow in your mouth. Numerous toothpastes and mouthwashes contain potentially harmful ingredients, and can create an environment in the mouth in which bacteria and fungus can grow out of control and lead to further breakouts of thrush.
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Use all products as directed.
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