Oral Yeast Infection/Candidiasis
- What is Oral yeast infection/Candidiasis?
- Am I at risk for Oral yeast infection/Candidiasis?
- Is it contagious?
- How does Dr. Ram evaluate me?
- What are the available treatments?
What is Oral yeast infection/Candidiasis?
An oral yeast infection (aka thrush or candidiasis) most commonly appears as white cottage cheese-like plaques on any surface inside the mouth. Less commonly, it may appear as red irritated areas inside the mouth. This red form is often present on the tissues of the mouth that are covered by a denture or other prosthetic appliance. An individual with a yeast infection may complain of pain or burning in the mouth or a change in taste sensation. However, many patients have no symptoms at all.
Oral yeast infection or Candidiasis
Oral yeast infection or Candidiasis under a denture
Am I at risk for Oral yeast infection/Candidiasis?
Patients at an increased risk of developing an oral yeast infection include:
- patients with dry mouth secondary to disease, aging, or as a side effect of drug therapy
- patients wearing upper dentures
- patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer
- patients with HIV infection
- patients receiving tissue or organ transplantation
- patients taking steroids and / or antibiotics
Is it contagious?
The truth is that many people have yeast in their mouth, but it seldom overgrows to such an extent that it becomes visually apparent or produces symptoms. Yeast can be passed from one individual to another, but this is not a clinical problem unless there is some other factor at work that allows the yeast to overgrow and cause an infection.
How does Dr. Ram evaluate me?
Dr. Ram, the specialist in this area, will listen to your history and perform a thorough clinical examination and a culture of your oral mucosa to confirm the yeast infection/Candidiasis.
What are the available treatments?
Dr. Ram will prescribe anti-fungal medication and rinses to treat the yeast infection/Candidiasis.