Oral thrush

Oral thrush is a common fungal (yeast) infection caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called 'Candid albicans'. Most people carry this fungus in their mouth without any problems. Your own immune system along with harmless bacteria on your skin usually help control the amount of Candida present. But sometimes the conditions in your body change, letting more candida grow, causing thrush. 

You are more likely to get oral thrush if you:

• are an older person
• have an iron deficiency
• have a vitamin B deficiency
• smoke
• use an asthma inhaler
• use antibiotics for a long time 
• use recreational drugs
• have diabetes
• have a weakened immune system, for example, you have HIV or are having cancer treatments like chemotherapy or steroids.

If you are generally healthy but have recurrent oral thrush, talk to your healthcare provider.

Oral thrush is a common infection in pēpi.

Thrush infection — Plunketexternal link

Symptoms of oral thrush include:

• a white or cream-coloured patch on your tongue, inside your cheeks or on the roof of your mouth
• redness, soreness or bleeding in your mouth, especially if you wear dentures
• pain or soreness in your mouth or throat
• red sores and cracks in the corners of your mouth
• difficulty eating and drinking 
• an unpleasant taste in your mouth. 

If you are breastfeeding and your pēpi has oral thrush, you can both have symptoms. 

• You may have red, sensitive or itchy nipples, and pain in your breast and nipples. 
• Your pēpi may not be feeding well and may have nappy rash.

Nappy rash — KidsHealth

If you think you have oral thrush, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and may look into your mouth. 

You do not usually need to have any tests. But if they think the thrush has spread to your bowel, you may need to because this can cause complications.

Liquid, gel or tablet antifungal medicines will usually get rid of oral thrush. You can buy the liquid and gel from a pharmacy without a prescription. Talk to your pharmacist for advice to make sure you get the right medicine.

If you have a more severe infection, you may be prescribed a 7-day course of an antifungal tablet such as fluconazole.

Fluconazole — My Medicinesexternal link  

You should also:

• brush your teeth regularly
• use a salt rinse (half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water)
• avoid using antiseptic mouth washes as they can alter the balance of bacteria in your mouth allowing candida to grow.

Practising good oral hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent oral thrush.

• Brush your teeth twice a day or after each meal.
• Brush your gums and tongue with a soft toothbrush.
• Floss regularly.
• Rinse your mouth after eating or taking medicines, including asthma inhalers.
• Stop smoking, if you smoke.
• Drink plenty of water.
• If your pēpi has oral thrush, make sure anything that has been in contact with their mouth is sterilised.
• If you or your tamaiti uses an inhaler for asthma, using a spacer and rinsing your mouth with water afterwards will reduce your chances of getting thrush.
• If you wear dentures, do not wear them overnight. Clean them daily with denture paste or mild soap and water. Go for regular check-ups with your dentist.
• If you have diabetes, go for regular check-ups with your healthcare provider.