Mouth Yeast Infection Signs to Look For
Although most people are embarrassed to talk about it, developing a yeast infection is an occurrence that affects millions of people every year, regardless of gender or age. In fact, by the time they have graduated from college, almost half of all adults will have experienced a yeast infection. There are some common misconceptions associated with this condition, and usually people think that you have to be dirty or unhealthy to develop it. This is simply not true, and it unfortunately contributes to many people struggling with it all on their own and not notifying their doctors or friends. Many people are unaware that you can also develop a yeast infection in other parts of the body other than the vagina or genital region. It’s important that you know the signs of a mouth yeast infection so that you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
First of all, you should know that in a completely healthy state, there is yeast in the body. Yeast is a naturally occurring fungus more commonly referred to as Candida. When the yeast infection occurs in the mouth, it is commonly called thrush, which can affect everyone from young children to the elderly. Regardless of the fact that anyone can develop thrush, you should know that people with decreased immune systems, like babies, older people, those that use dentures, people with diabetes or cancer, and those that are currently taking antibiotics are at an increased risk for developing the condition. Because yeast is always in the body, it is not its presence but its unchecked growth that poses a potential health threat.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know might be at risk for developing a yeast infection in the mouth, you should know that there are symptoms that you can look for to determine if you are in the beginning stages of the infection. First of all, you can look for painful white patches forming on the inside of the mouth. Typically this will occur on the sides of the inner cheek, on and under the tongue and at the base of the gums. These white patches will probably be sensitive to the touch and might even bleed if you disturb them. Although you might be able to detect these patches right away, a baby or young child might not be able to tell you that they are in pain. Be sure to check the mouths of children and older people regularly to see if they are developing patches like this.
The most common ways to treat a yeast infection in the mouth is to modify the diet and remove any irritating substances, such as ill fitting dentures if you wear them. You will want to drink lots of water and eliminate the foods that the yeast is feeding on, such as sugars, starches, vinegar and pickled foods. All of these things allow the yeast to thrive, and what you want to do is starve it out. In extreme circumstances you can also seek traditional medicine.
