Thrush can be identified by its painful, cottage cheese appearing white lesions that form on the inside of the cheeks and tongue. There may be a burning sensation in the mouth and throat early in the infection.  These lesions may also bleed when scraped.  Oral thrush can spread to the roof of the mouth, the throat and tonsils if not treated properly.  Thrush may cause your mouth to feel like it has a thick coating inside it and you may lose your sense of taste temporarily.

In most cases your doctor will only need to see the lesions to diagnose oral thrush.  He or she could then prescribe an anti fungal medication (a medicine to kill the fungus).  This may be a pill, a lozenge or a liquid that you swish inside your mouth and then swallow.  Your doctor may also suggest eating extra yogurt or taking a supplement like acidophilus.  These will not kill the fungus but they will help your body boost its own natural defenses against the candida.

Our bodies have effective defenses against invading organisms that should not be in our bodies.  However if our defenses are weakened by illness, medications or lifestyle factors these invading organisms may find an easy way in.  Taking antibiotics, using a steroid inhaler and smoking are just a few factors that may cause a candida outbreak.  Health conditions that weaken the immune system like HIV; diabetes and chemotherapy can also contribute.

Candida thrives in the warm moist environment of our mouths and waits for our bodies to weaken so it can grow. If you notice symptoms see your dentist or physician as soon as possible for treatment. He or she may prescribe anti fungal pills, or a rinse for your mouth to swish and swallow.  Yogurt and probiotic supplements may also help prevent a future outbreak.