Have you ever noticed a strange white coating on your tongue or inside your cheeks? Maybe you’ve felt a burning sensation or even struggled with a weird, cottony feeling in your mouth. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you might be dealing with oral candida, a common fungal infection. Our Denver dentists are here to explain.
While it sounds a bit alarming, oral thrush is something you can tackle head-on with a little knowledge and the right approach. So, contact Metropolitan Dental Care in Denver, CO, at (303) 534-2626 for help treating oral fungal infections.
What is Oral Candida?
Oral candida, also known as oral thrush, is a yeast infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. This pesky fungus lives naturally in our mouths, but when it starts to grow out of control, that’s when the trouble begins.
It can affect anyone, but it is more common in babies, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
So, how do you know if oral candida is lurking in your mouth? Our Denver dentists dive into the telltale signs.
Common Signs of Oral Candida
Common indicators of oral thrush include:
White, Creamy Patches
One of the most noticeable signs is white, creamy patches that can appear on your tongue, inner cheeks, roof of your mouth, or even your throat. These patches might look like cottage cheese – yep, you read that right!
Redness and Soreness
Underneath those white patches, the tissue might be red and sore. You may even notice some bleeding if the patches are rubbed or scraped off.
Cracked Corners of the Mouth
Known as angular cheilitis, cracks at the corners of your mouth can be a sign that candida is making itself at home.
Loss of Taste
If your favorite foods suddenly taste bland or you can’t taste anything at all, candida might be to blame.
Cottony Feeling
If your mouth feels dry or you have a persistent cottony feeling, this could be another sign of oral candida.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It
Oral candida might start as a minor annoyance, but it’s not something you want to leave untreated. If left unchecked, it can lead to more severe infections, especially if you have a weakened immune system.
For people with underlying health conditions, untreated oral candida can even lead to systemic infections, which can be much harder to treat. In short, this is one fungal party you definitely want to shut down with the help of our Denver dentists!
How to Get Rid of Oral Candida
Now, let’s talk about how to kick oral candida to the curb with our Denver dentists!
Antifungal Medications
The first line of defense is usually antifungal medications. These can come in the form of lozenges, tablets, or liquid mouthwashes that help eliminate the fungus from your mouth.
Good Oral Hygiene
Keeping your mouth clean is crucial. Brush your teeth after eating, floss daily, and consider using an antiseptic mouthwash to keep bacteria and fungi in check.
Dietary Changes
Since Candida albicans thrives on sugar, reducing your sugar intake can help starve the fungus. Eating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt can also help restore the natural balance of bacteria in your mouth. Lastly, sipping on water helps to keep your mouth moist and flush out unwanted toxins.
Take Action with Our Denver Dentists
Oral candida might be common, but it’s nothing to ignore. By recognizing the signs early and taking action, you can prevent this pesky fungus from causing more significant problems. If you ever suspect oral candida is creeping up on you, don’t hesitate to chat with our Denver dentists. You can reach us online or at (303) 534-2626 for advice and appointments!
