Thrush (candidiasis) is a superficial infection of the mucous membrane. In adults, they most often appear in the form of whitish spots appearing on the tongue, gums, palate and the inside of the cheeks. Their presence may indicate serious health problems, so this problem cannot be ignored.
The cause of thrush is Candida albicans yeast. normally found in our gut flora. The main reasons for the development of infections whose symptoms are thrush caused by these yeasts are:
- Vitamin deficiencies, mainly iron, folic acid and vitamin B12
- Errors in nutrition, e.g. malnutrition
- Damage to the mucous membrane caused, for example, by biting the lips or brushing the teeth too vigorously
- Damaged or unstable prosthesis
- Antibiotic therapy. Especially long-term use of antibiotics causing the destruction of the proper bacterial flora
- Weakened immunity, e.g. in people infected with HIV, cancer, congenital immunodeficiency, uncontrolled diabetes, etc.)
- Inflammatory bowel diseases
- Thrush can also be one of the symptoms of a larger fungal infection in the digestive system.
The last option is suspected when the infection is accompanied by other symptoms such as belching, nausea, diarrhea and epigastric pain.
The basic symptoms of thrush – how to recognize?
The infection takes the form of white, localized on the tongue, inside of the cheeks, gums (less often on the palate), small ulcers, usually shapeless, but sometimes taking the form of grayish, convex fields. Other symptoms are pain and trouble swallowing and biting, appearing due to the perceived discomfort.
How to heal?
Thrush usually heals after two or three days, with a mild course they don’t cause much pain, however, sometimes they can be the cause of more serious changes, the healing of which requires from 10 to even 15 days. Of course, if they last a long time or appear often, it is worth checking whether they are not related to other health complications.
They are difficult to treat topically, and there are many bacteria in the mouth. Therefore, a two-way treatment is recommended, i.e. eliminating bacteria and protecting mucosal defects. Therefore, the best ways are ointments and preparations available in pharmacies, which have in their composition:
- benzocaine,
- Camphor,
- Eucalyptus oil,
- Lavender oil,
- Tea tree oil.
Oral antibiotics are rarely administered, and topical antifungal drugs are more often recommended. Relief will also be provided by rinsing the mouth with a solution of sage, as well as other disinfecting liquids: goldenseal infusion, hydrogen peroxide solution (tablespoon per glass of water), magnesium milk. During the treatment, it is also worth taking vitamin C and flavonoids, especially at the first signs of infection.