Oral thrush

What is oral thrush?

Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a common fungal infection that affects the inside of the mouth. It occurs when there’s an overgrowth of the Candida yeast, which is naturally present in the mouth in small amounts. This overgrowth leads to the development of white, creamy lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, or the roof of the mouth, often accompanied by redness and discomfort. While oral thrush is usually mild, it can be irritating and may require treatment to clear up.

What causes oral thrush?

Oral thrush is primarily caused by an imbalance in the natural environment of your mouth, allowing Candida yeast to multiply. Several factors can contribute to this imbalance, including:

• Use of antibiotics: Prolonged or high-dose antibiotic use can disrupt the natural flora of the mouth, leading to an overgrowth of yeast.
• Inhaled corticosteroids: People using corticosteroid inhalers for asthma are more susceptible if they don’t rinse their mouth after use.
• Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly can allow Candida to thrive.
• Ill-fitting dentures: Dentures that don’t fit well can trap moisture and create an environment where yeast can grow.
• Medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and hypothyroidism can weaken the immune system, making it easier for infections like oral thrush to develop.

What are the symptoms of oral thrush?

The symptoms of oral thrush can vary in severity, but they often include:

• White, creamy patches inside the mouth that can be wiped away, sometimes leaving red areas that may bleed slightly.
• A burning or sore sensation in the mouth, which can make eating and drinking uncomfortable.
• Redness and cracking at the corners of the mouth.
• A loss of taste or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
• In severe cases, the infection can spread to the throat, leading to difficulty swallowing.

How to treat oral thrush

Treating oral thrush is straightforward with the right antifungal medications. At our online pharmacy, we offer a range of effective treatments:

• Topical antifungal treatments: Gels and suspensions like Daktarin Oral Gel or Nystan Oral Suspension are commonly prescribed and applied directly to the affected areas of the mouth. These treatments typically need to be used several times a day for up to two weeks to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
• Oral antifungal tablets: For more severe cases or when topical treatments aren’t effective, antifungal tablets or capsules may be prescribed. These are generally taken once a day and work to clear the infection from the inside out.

How to prevent oral thrush

Preventing oral thrush involves maintaining good oral hygiene and making a few lifestyle adjustments:

• Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and clean your dentures if you wear them.
• Rinse after inhaler use: If you use a corticosteroid inhaler, rinse your mouth thoroughly after each use to reduce the risk of thrush.
• Maintain a healthy diet: Reducing sugar intake can help prevent yeast overgrowth.
• Manage underlying conditions: Keeping medical conditions like diabetes well-controlled can reduce your risk.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mouth’s natural flora balanced.

When to seek medical attention

While oral thrush is often mild, there are times when it’s important to seek medical advice:

• Persistent symptoms: If symptoms do not improve after a week of treatment, or if they recur frequently, you should consult a healthcare provider.
• Severe discomfort: If the pain and discomfort are severe or make it difficult to eat and drink, medical advice is recommended.
• Spread of infection: If the infection spreads to the throat or other areas, you should see a doctor immediately.
• Weakened immune system: If you have an underlying condition that weakens your immune system, such as HIV/AIDS or diabetes, and you develop symptoms of oral thrush, seek medical advice promptly.

Buy oral thrush treatments online

Treating oral thrush is easy and convenient with Medical Mojo. We offer a variety of antifungal treatments that can be delivered directly to your door with fast, discreet shipping. Simply browse our selection of oral thrush medications, complete a quick online consultation if needed, and have your treatment on its way in no time.

Don’t let oral thrush cause discomfort any longer. Get the treatment you need today from Medical Mojo.