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Q: What is oral thrush?
A: Oral thrush, also known as candidiasis or moniliasis, is a condition caused by the overgrowth of a naturally occurring fungus in the mouth. The fungus is Candida albicans. White or grayish-white patches appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth, including the tongue, cheeks, lips, gums and throat. The condition is most common among denture wearers, the very young, the elderly and those who have a problem with their immune system. People who have dry mouth syndrome are particularly susceptible to candidiasis.
A person who's receiving antibiotic treatment may experience a decrease in normal bacteria in the mouth, giving the fungus an environment in which to thrive. Thrush can develop in infants' mouths if they've used improperly sterilized bottle nipples. The patches that appear in the mouth look like curdled milk. If you scrape them off, they bleed. Treatment focuses on eliminating or controlling the conditions that caused the outbreak. Cleaning dentures, for instance, and maintaining good oral health practices, are two steps. Talk with your dentist about ways to avoid oral thrush.
November 23, 2009
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