Oral thrush is a fungal infection that affects the mouth. It is sometimes referred to as oral candidiasis because it is caused by the group of yeasts known as Candida. Candida is found naturally in the mouths and digestive systems of most people. Normally this yeast is harmless, but it can lead to oral thrush when its numbers multiply. This multiplication can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as:

• Using antibiotics, especially over long periods or at high doses
• Inhaling corticosteroid medicines (brown inhalers), which are used to treat Asthma
• Poor oral hygiene
• Wearing ill-fitting dentures
• Suffering from dry mouth, which is either caused by a medical condition or as a resulting side-effect from certain medicines
• Receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy to treat cancer

Oral thrush is not contagious in the same way a cold is. However, it can be caught through direct contact with the infection, such as kissing. The condition is more likely to affect babies, children, the elderly and those with an underlying condition that makes them more prone to the infection. These conditions include; diabetes, hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid), HIV, and iron/vitamin B12 deficiencies. Oral thrush is not usually serious and can be successfully treated with a range of anti-fungal medicines.

There are a variety of symptoms associated with oral thrush, these include:

• Plaques (white patches), which are found inside the mouth. These can usually be wiped off, leaving behind red patches that are prone to bleed
• Redness inside the mouth and throat
• An unpleasant taste or a loss of taste in the mouth
• Cracks can occur on the corners of the mouth
• A burning sensation inside the mouth
• Pain inside the mouth

For some sufferers, these symptoms can make eating and drinking more difficult.

Most simple cases of oral thrush can be self-diagnosed based on recognisable symptoms however, you should consult a doctor if the symptoms of oral thrush do not respond to treatment. If left untreated, the symptoms will most likely persist, leaving the mouth feeling very uncomfortable. In more severe cases, there is the risk of the infection spreading further into the body, which can potentially be more serious.

A doctor will usually be able to diagnose oral thrush through a simple visual inspection of the mouth. In some cases, a blood test may be required so that any underlying conditions can either be identified or ruled out.

Oral Candidiasis can be successfully treated with anti-fungal medicines. Typically, these medicines will be in a gel or liquid form, which allows for direct application inside of the mouth. Topical oral thrush treatments like these usually need to be applied several times daily for up to two weeks.

An example of an oral thrush treatment available over-the-counter is Daktarin Oral Gel. Prescription-strength treatments, such as Nystan Oral Suspension are also available.

However, for more severe or persistent infections, tablets or capsules are also available after having consulted with your doctor. Tablet and capsule alternatives are typically taken just once daily.

There are a number of ways that you can help to reduce the chance of developing oral thrush. These include:

• Practising good oral hygiene (brushing with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day with regular interdental cleaning).
• Regularly visiting a dentist for check-ups. This also applies for those who wear dentures and for those who have no natural teeth.
• Rinsing your mouth after eating snacks and meals.
• Removing dentures at night and cleaning them thoroughly using a paste/soap and water soaking method.
• If you wear dentures or have little/no natural teeth, it is recommended to gently brush the gums, tongue and the inside of the mouth, twice daily using a soft bristled toothbrush.
• Smoking cessation.
• If you are asthmatic, rinsing your mouth with water after using a corticosteroid inhaler (a brown reliever inhaler). Also, using a spacer with these inhalers will help reduce the risk of contracting oral thrush.
• If you suffer with a medical condition, such as diabetes, ensuring it is well managed will help reduce the risk of infection.
• If you are beginning a course of treatment that will increase the risk of developing oral thrush, such as high strength antibiotics, anti-fungal medication may be recommended as a preventative measure.