Oropharyngeal Candidiasis (OPC)
Oral Thrush
Dr. Boban Fidanoski, DMD
Oropharyngeal
Candidiasis also known as Oral
Thrush is an infection caused by
a species of the fungus Candida, usually the Candida albicans. Candida
is normally present in small amounts in the mucous membranes of the mouth. It
usually causes no harm. However, when conditions such as some systematic illness
or taking medications are present, a change in the
chemistry of the oral cavity that favours Candida over the other microorganisms
that are present will allow Candida to grow uncontrolled, invade
surrounding tissues and cause an infection.
Predisposing factors: patients with weakened immune system, HIV, Diabetes,
Sjögren's syndrome, hormone imbalances during pregnancy, female patients on
oral contraceptives, overly-acidic pH levels from fast foods, stress, patients
who have removable dental prostheses, poor dental care and the use of
antibiotic medications. Babies can get oropharyngeal candidiasis from their infected
mothers: Candida vulvovaginitis (Vaginal yeast infections) is caused by
the same fungus that causes oral thrush.
A pregnant woman can pass the fungus to her baby during delivery. As a result,
her newborn may develop oral thrush within the first several weeks after birth.
Signs and symptoms: Creamy white lesions, usually on the tongue or inner
cheeks. The lesions can be painful and may bleed slightly when scraped or
brushed with teeth or toothbrush. Sometimes Candidiasis may spread to the
palate, gingiva, oral mucosa, tonsils or to oropharynx.
Prevention: Good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing
and using an antiseptic mouthwash, good hand-washing, rinsing the oral cavity after
taking a liquid antibiotic.
Treatment: Antifungal medicines in the form of
pastilles that are sucked or oral suspensions that are held in the mouth before
swallowing. These allow the antifungal agent to act locally in the mouth.
Examples include nystatin (e.g. Nystan oral suspension), amphotericin (eg.
Fungilin lozenges) or miconazole (e.g. Daktarin oral gel).
Self Care: Adults can treat thrush at home with gentian violet
(1%), a dye that kills bacteria and fungi. It is available without a
prescription.
Complementary and alternative medicine:
- Garlic
capsules. Garlic may have antifungal and antibacterial
properties. Deodorized garlic capsules can be found in natural food stores and
many drugstores. Including raw garlic in a diet also may be beneficial.
-Yeast-Gard
tablets. Usually found in natural food stores, this product may
help prevent yeast infections and soothe irritated tissue.
-Caprylic acid
capsules. This fatty acid, derived from coconut oil, has been
shown to have antifungal properties. They’re generally safe, but shouldn't be
used if a patient has ulcerative colitis.
-Infection
can be controlled by eating unsweetened yogurt which contains lactobacillus, friendly bacteria that
kills yeast.
- Taking acidophilus capsules or liquid. Acidophilus is available in natural
food stores and many drugstores.
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