Even the healthiest mouth is filled with bacteria. Normally, your daily oral hygiene routine helps prevent oral health complications. However, it is possible to develop an excess of bacteria and fungi, which can lead to additional problems. Here’s what you should know about oral thrush and what you can do to prevent it.
What is it?
Oral thrush is caused by a collection of the fungus called Candida in your mouth. Bacteria and fungi do occur naturally in your mouth, but it is important that they are not permitted to build up. Thrush can appear as white, thick patches on your tongue or inner cheek. It may also look like a white sore in your mouth.
Who Can Get Oral Thrush?
Young children, infants, and the elderly are at a higher risk of developing oral thrush. If you have a weakened immune system or diabetes, it is even more important that you stay active in keeping your mouth healthy and preventing issues like oral thrush. Smokers also tend to develop oral thrush more often than other patients.
Oral Health Implications
Oral thrush can lead to trouble swallowing and tasting. As it develops, it can become painful. Oral thrush can make affected areas feel like they are burning, and slight bleeding can occur if you are scraping your tongue or cheeks. Some describe the feeling as having cotton in their mouth. Thrush can spread easily. If you have a weakened immune system, it is possible that thrush can move into your lungs, digestive tract, and even your heart.
Prevention
Our best recommendation for preventing oral thrush is a vigilant daily oral hygiene routine that] includes a thorough brushing and flossing of your teeth, and includes your tongue. We sometimes recommend a patient use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue. Just like your teeth, your tongue depends on daily cleaning to stay healthy and free of germs and bacteria.
The American Dental Association recommends that for some patients it might be helpful to consider an antimicrobial toothpaste or mouthwash. Check with our dentist to see which solutions might be best for you.
