A certain condition that is known to cause white patches in the mouth is referred to as oral thrush, or medically known as oral candidiasis. This is a yeast infection that occurs in the mouth and can result in patches in the back of the throat, inside of the cheeks, and on the tongue.
The symptoms of oral thrush are relatively mild, and may be seen as slight discomfort when eating and drinking, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, and bad breath. Candida fungi is naturally present in the digestive system, and when there is an overgrowth, it can lead to this yeast infection. Dr. Chong Lee and his team at Galleria Dental Aesthetics see patients who have this condition and can provide effective treatment with prescription medications. But what causes oral thrush? At Galleria Dental Aesthetics, we are here to educate patients on the condition, the symptoms, and the causes to fully understand who is at risk.
What causes oral thrush?
Below are just a few of the more common causes of oral thrush in patients of the McLean, VA area:
- Antibiotics. Patients who are on certain antibiotics and medications for an extended period of time may experience an imbalance in the bacteria and fungi present in the body, resulting in the growth of candida fungi that puts patients at risk of oral thrush. Some medications including penicillin, tetracyclines, prednisone, and corticosteroid inhalers are often to blame.
- Diabetes. Patients who are diabetic have a higher risk of developing oral thrush due to higher levels of glucose in their saliva that contributes to the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
- Weakened immune system. Patients who have a weakened immune system are also at risk of developing oral thrush, including those with HIV, AIDS, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.
- Tobacco use. Smokers and patients who chew tobacco will find that they can develop oral thrush due to higher levels of bacteria in the mouth, in addition to reduce immunity, poor oral hygiene, and dry mouth.
Do you need medication for oral thrush?
If you believe you are dealing with oral thrush, you need to contact a dentist for an evaluation and to obtain prescription medications as the best treatment for your condition. Call the office of Galleria Dental Aesthetics in McLean, VA at (703) 448-1020 to request an appointment with our team of professionals. Dr. Chong Lee’s practice is located at 1600 Tysons Boulevard, Suite #120.