Oral Yeast Infections (Candidiasis)

What Is Candidiasis?

Candidiasis is a fungal infection on skin or mucous membranes caused by overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans^.1,2 When this infection occurs in the mouth or throat, it is called a “thrush.”¹ Thrush often causes painless, white patches in the mouth, but it may yield other symptoms.²

What Causes Candidiasis?

Although Candida normally resides in the mouth,^2,3 if the oral environment becomes disturbed, Candida can multiply and cause an infection.²   This infection more typically occurs in normal newborn babies,² the elderly,¹ denture wearers,^1,3 and in individuals who have weakened immune systems.² Other factors that may contribute to the onset of candidiasis include:

• Having dry mouth syndrome¹

• Taking antibiotics^1,2,3

• Using inhaled corticosteroids²

What Are the Symptoms?

The following are the more common symptoms of candidiasis.   However, other conditions may cause similar symptoms, so see your dental professional for evaluation.² Symptoms may include but are not limited to:

• White painless patches in the mouth²

• Redness or soreness inside the mouth²

• Cracking at the corners of the mouth²

• Pain or difficulty in swallowing²

How Is Candidiasis Diagnosed?

After examining your mouth and symptoms, your dental professional may take a scraping of the white patches and examine it under a microscope.²   The scraping may also be cultured, but because Candida is usually found in the mouth, positive identification is not conclusive.² Your dental professional will also work to identify what factors may be causing the infection.²

How Is it Treated?

Controlling thrush depends on managing the underlying cause of the infection.^1,2   Keeping your mouth clean is important.¹ Dentures, especially those on the roof of the mouth, are well-suited to harboring yeast.³  Therefore, they should thoroughly cleaned to remove Candida and taken out and disinfected at bedtime.^2,3

Other antifungal medications such as topical rinses, lozenges or pills taken by mouth may be used.^1,2,3 Oral fluconazole is a commonly prescribed treatment.² If these treatments do not work, a medical consultation may be in order.^2,3

¹ “Canker Sores, Cold Sores and Common Mouth Sores.” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/2982.aspx Accessed 2010.

² “Candidiasis General Information.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Foodborne, Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases, March 27, 2010. www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/candidiasis_gi.html#11 Accessed 2010.

³ “Patient Information Sheet: Oral Yeast Infections (Thrush or Candidiasis).” The AmericanAcademy of Oral Medicine, December 31, 2007. www.aaom.com/associations/3215/files/PatienthandoutCandidiasisiUpdated12312007.pdf Accessed 2010.