Causes Of Thrush
Facts About The Causes Of Thrush
There are a number of different causes of thrush, but generally speaking thrush is an infection caused by a yeast or fungus that is normally present in the body, but which has gotten out of hand. The yeast in question is called Candida, and an infection can occur elsewhere in the body that in the mouth. An infection in the mouth may be called a Candida infection, thrush, or oral thrush. They are one and the same.
The Underlying Cause Of Thrush - Putting a finger on the causes of thrush can be a little difficult, because the Candida yeast exists naturally in the body. Yeast likes a damp, dark, and warm environment, and the mouth is therefore an ideal place for the yeast to thrive. We always have some Candida in our mouth, but unless things get out of hand, there will be no problem. Once things get out of hand we may develop a case of oral thrush.
There are two things which keep the yeast in check, the immune system and several types of bacteria which naturally occur in the body. Anything that upsets this somewhat delicate balance can cause thrush to develop. The primary symptom of thrush is the appearance of a cream-colored coating on the tongue or the inside of the mouth. In more severe cases this coating may extend past the roof of the mouth into the throat and the esophagus. There are often small lesions in this coating, which can be painful and may at times even bleed. If the infection spreads too far, fever may result. Being a yeast, the infection can spread to any part of the body where yeast can thrive, and to that degree the infection is regarded as being potentially contagious.
Newborn babies often contract thrush, primarily due to the fact that their immune systems are not yet completely developed, and may not be able to keep the Candida in check. Thrush in babies is seldom a serious condition, and is most often not long lasting.
Some Causes Of Thrush - Systemic diseases such as diabetes are among the potential causes of thrush as the immune system may have been weakened or the person's metabolism may have been disturbed. Sometimes medications are to blame, and denture wearers are at a greater risk of an occurrence of thrush than are non-denture wearers. Poor nutrition can also bring about an onset of the infection, although poor nutrition may be an underlying factor rather than a direct cause. As is the case with poor nutrition, stress can also be an underlying factor and contribute to an infection, though is not usually a direct cause.
Treatment Of Thrush - Thrush is usually easily treated, though the causes of thrush must be attacked as well as the infection itself, or the infection is apt to return. Treatment however is not without difficulties, and is often done in stages. The Candida yeast, when killed, will give off toxins as the fungus begins to decompose, and these toxins can at times make life somewhat miserable for the person who has been infected. By killing off the Candid in stages, toxicity can be kept to a minimum, and with it, any associated discomfort.
Very often, it is your dentist who is the one that will diagnose a presence of oral thrush as well as treat it. Oral anti fungal medications come in a number of forms and taking such medications for 10 to 14 days often will clear up the condition. More serious or chronic occurrences of thrush may require the intervention of a doctor. Once treatment has been completed, a strict regimen of dental and oral hygiene will probably be advised, especially if a person's immune system is not strong.
If you should contract thrush, don't rely on over the counter medications, but see your dentist or doctor. Treating thrush without taking into account the possible causes of thrush can well become an exercise in futility.