Oral candidiasis: symptoms, causes and treatment

Oral candidiasis, also called oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by a yeast overgrowth Candida albicans in the mouth, especially in babies, because their immune system is not very developed, or in adults with a weakened system due to flu, chronic diseases and HIV, for example.

Despite the fact that it lives in the skin, it is possible that the mushroom grows and produces the manifestation of signs and symptoms, such as white plaques in the mouth and burning in the area. The treatment for oral candidiasis must be carried out with mouthwashes, antifungal agents and correct oral hygiene, and must be supervised by a general practitioner, dentist or pediatrician, in the case of children.

Main signs and symptoms

Oral candidiasis usually causes the appearance of signs and symptoms such as:

• White cape in the mouth;
• Presence of a creamy substance in the mouth;
• Emergence of cold sores on the tongue and mejillas;
• Sensation of having cotton inside the mouth;
• Pain or burning in the affected regions.

When the infection is more serious, there may also be signs of inflammation in the esophagus, which can cause pain and difficulty in swallowing.

This type of candidiasis is more common in babies and it receives the popular name of sapito or algodoncillo, this is because, as the fungus can be transmitted through the body and the baby’s immune system, however, it is in development, it is possible that the signs and symptoms are present. of candidiasis in babies. See the symptoms and how to treat the sapito in babies.

possible causes

The fungus of the genre Candida It is found naturally in the skin and in the mucous membranes, without causing any kind of problem. However, when there are alterations in the immunity or the presence of factors that favor its growth, it is possible that the fungus develops more than normal, causing candidiasis.

Among the factors that increase the risk of developing oral candidiasis are the following:

• Endocrine diseases, such as diabetes mellitus or hypothyroidism;
• Nutritional problems, such as deficiency of hierro, vitamin b12 or folic acid;
• Disorders of the immune system, such as AIDS;
• Blood disorders, such as leukemia or agranulocytosis;
• Dry mouth (xerostomia), which can be caused by Sjögren’s syndrome or the use of certain medications;
• Diet high in carbohydrates;
• Medications, such as broad-spectrum antibiotics or corticosteroids;
• Use of dental prostheses during the night, trauma or poor oral hygiene;
• Smoking and use of certain drugs.

Asimismo, los niños, las personas majores and las mujeres embarazadas also have a greater tendency to present oral candidiasis, because their immune system is slightly weaker.

How is the treatment performed?

The treatment for oral candidiasis must be prescribed by a general doctor, dentist or pediatrician, in the case of babies and children, and can be carried out at home by applying antifungal agents in the form of a gel, liquid or mouthwash, like Nystatin, for 5 to 7 days.

In addition, during the treatment it is important to have some care, such as brushing the teeth at least 3 times a day with a brush with soft bristles and avoiding eating foods with a high content of fat or sugar, such as pasteles, sweets or galletas, which favors the development and proliferation of mushrooms.

In the most serious cases, in which the use of mouthwash does not give the desired result, the doctor may indicate the use of oral antifungal drugs, such as Fluconazole, which should be taken according to the orientation of the doctor until the symptoms have disappeared.

An excellent home treatment for oral candidiasis is the peppermint treatment, which has properties that reduce the proliferation of fungi and help to accelerate the fight against infection. Know how to prepare this tea and see other home remedy options for candidiasis.

What to eat to treat candidiasis

During candidiasis it is not advisable to ingest anything with sugar, nor refined carbohydrates such as bread, galletas, pastries and tarts, because sugar facilitates the proliferation of the mushroom. You should prefer foods like lemon, perejil, ginger, tomillo, ajo, onion, oregano, calabaza seeds, coconut oil, natural yogurt, kefir, prefer citrus fruits and less sweets.

See what are the best foods to cure candidiasis in the continuation video: