How do I Know if I have Oral Thrush?

Oral thrush is a common health condition that may be experienced by all age groups from newborn infants right through to the elderly. There are also some key groups of people who are more predisposed to developing the condition. Although it is not a serious health problem, it can cause some discomfort and should be treated promptly to avoid any complications or infections. So how do you know if you have oral thrush and what can you do about it?

Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans. This micro-organism is generally present in people’s bodies in small amounts, but sometimes it can multiply out of hand and then you may begin to see thrush symptoms. The two most common forms of thrush are oral and vaginal thrush and they are usually treated with anti-fungal preparations. People can also have an overgrowth of Candida in their intestinal tracts, which might cause some discomfort and health problems too. If you find that you do have oral thrush, it might be worth doing a Candida diet in order to ensure that your intestinal tract is free of the overgrowth too.

There are some clear signs to look out for that indicate you have oral thrush. The classic sign is white, or slightly yellowed, patches on the tongue, the cheeks or the throat. These patches tend to be raised and if scratched may even bleed. On the lips or the corners of the mouth there may also be a blotchy red rash that can also be an indicator of oral thrush. In adults, the symptoms of thrush tend to end here and may only cause mild discomfort. If the thrush is left unchecked the condition may worsen and extend down into the throat, then you may experience sore throats and other mild pain. Infants and small children may be further affected and suffer irritability, feeding problems and sleeping problems.

If you suspect that you do have oral thrush, you should visit a doctor for them to diagnose it correctly and offer you an appropriate treatment course. If you are considered by the doctor to be in one of the “at risk” groups for developing thrush again, they will be able to give you some preventative measures to ensure that you enjoy full oral health. They can also give you some diet suggestions and information about probiotics and other natural methods for preventing a further overgrowth of Candida from occurring.