Oral thrush is an infection caused by an overgrowth of the yeast called Candida albicans inside a person's mouth. It is common in babies and the elderly, but anyone can be infected.
Candida albicans normally live in the mouth, belly, vagina, and even on the skin. Its presence is often harmless when the growth level is kept at bay by bacteria.
However, when the balance is disrupted, candida may grow uncontrollably and develop into mild infections. In the mouth, the infection can spread to the tonsils and even extend at the back of the throat.
Why, then, is thrush mostly affecting infants and the elderly? This is mainly because people belonging to these age group categories have a weakened immune system.
The infection is also likely to develop due to the following risk factors:
Deficiency in iron and vitamin B
Antibiotics. These drugs may kill even the good bacteria that helps control the growth of candida.
The use of dentures, especially ill-fitting and poorly cleaned ones
Uncontrolled diabetes. High levels of glucose in saliva encourage candida growth.
Dry mouth
Treatment of inhaled corticosteroids for asthmatic patients
Chemotherapy for cancer patients
Weak immune system due to HIV
Smoking
It is easy to spot oral thrush. Common symptoms include pain in inflamed areas of the mouth. This is usually accompanied by white or creamy patches on the tongue and on the sides and roof of the mouth. These patches easily bleed when touched.
Infected people want the quickest way to treat thrush because the pain makes it difficult to eat and drink. In some conditions, people also notice a loss of taste.
Fast-acting thrush treatment forms depend on the severity of the infection.
To ensure that you get the quickest thrush treatment, have the condition checked by a doctor. Severe cases usually need prescription medicine that the patient needs to take for 10 to 14 days. Make sure to buy from a trusted pharmacy in Auckland.
Prescription medications may come in the form of tablets, lozenges, or liquids. Common ones include the following:
fluconazole
clotrimazole
nystatin
itraconazole
amphotericin B
First, keep in mind that these home remedies are not actual medicines. Rather, they are used to help control the overgrowth of yeast in the mouth.
Saltwater rinse. Just dissolve a half teaspoon of salt in warm water and use the solution to rinse your mouth.
Alternatively, for adults, use a baking soda solution as a rinse.
Eat yogurt and other foods with probiotics. These may help restore the presence of good bacteria in the mouth.
Practice good oral hygiene. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to clean your teeth.
In many cases, people use Gentian violet to cure oral thrush fast. It is an antiseptic dye with antifungal properties. Gentian violet can be bought over-the-counter in many pharmacies, but make sure to follow the label for proper usage.
Lastly, know that overgrowth of Candida albicans may occur in other body parts. If the yeast infection is on the genitals, seek for a fast cure from a doctor as this can affect both male and female individuals.
