Oral thrush is a fungal infection of the throat and mouth. It is caused by the Candida albicans fungus, which is naturally found in the mouth in small amounts. Unlike other oral conditions, treating oral thrush is always successful using antifungal medicines. The following are signs that may show you have oral thrush:
Cream-colored or white patches
People with oral thrush usually have cream-colored or white patches on their inner cheeks, tongue, and roof of the throat and mouth. If you wipe off these raised patches, you may have a red surface.
Discomfort and Soreness
You may experience discomfort or soreness in the throat and mouth if you have oral thrush. The fungal infection can potentially affect the sensitive tissues in the impacted regions, promoting inflammation and sensitivity.
Loss of Taste
Oral thrush can inflame and irritate mouth tissues, taste buds included. The inflammation can disrupt taste buds' functioning, leading to taste loss. Besides, oral thrush causes dry mouth, which can greatly affect the sense of taste.
Redness in the Mouth
Oral thrush causes irritation and inflammation, which may result in mouth redness. Also, taking some medicines like steroids or antibiotics lead to oral thrush and may cause redness in the mouth as a side effect.
Dry Mouth
Saliva is essential in the mouth. It helps remove food particles, wash away bacteria, and moisten your mouth. When your mouth is dry, it offers an ideal habitat for Candida albicans' growth, and you end up developing oral thrush.
Difficulty in Eating and Swallowing
People with oral thrush may experience difficulty in eating and swallowing food. This may be due to irritation and pain in the affected areas. As a result, you may reduce food intake, which can affect your general body health.
Oral thrush is a fungal infection of the throat and mouth. It is caused by the Candida albicans fungus, which is naturally found in the mouth in small amounts. Unlike other oral conditions, treating oral thrush is always successful using antifungal medicines. The following are signs that may show you have oral thrush: