Oral thrush is an infection in which the fungus candida accumulates and multiplies in your mouth. Normally, you can self-diagnose this infection by looking in the mirror. Lab tests are rarely required. In fact, more than 200,000 cases per year are present in the United States alone. It is common in babies but also in the elderly. People with compromised immune systems and those who use steroid sprays for asthma are also susceptible to thrush.
Symptoms of Oral Thrush
If you look in the mirror and notice white lesions or patches on your tongue or inner cheeks, it is probably thrush. Perhaps the white patches are even on your throat. Don't worry, remember that thrush is a common infection, and you can recover quickly. You may have pain when you eat or swallow, although that is not always the case. Thrush may also cause bad breath, dryness in your mouth, or the appearance of a white tongue. It is also common that your sense of taste seems skewed. Cracking or redness at the corners of your mouth add some discomfort to some patients who have thrush. It is also common to feel like you have cotton in your mouth, this is most likely a symptom related to having a dry mouth.
Get to Our Office for Help
If you suspect that you have thrush, it is important to call our office right away. While this infection is typically mild and rarely causes serious problems, in people with weakened immune systems thrush can spread to other parts of the body. Preventative dentistry is always better than waiting until your problem is a dental emergency. If you see white patches on your tongue or anywhere in your mouth, give us a call. We are right here to help you overcome thrush and get back to feeling yourself again.
Rho Family Dentistry, 2525 K Street, Suite 108 Sacramento, CA 95816 ~ (916) 562-2755 ~ rhofamilydentistry.com ~ 9/12/2024 ~ Key Phrases: dentist Sacramento CA ~