Oral Yeast Infections

Oral yeast infections are one of the most common cases of oral infection. Yeast is naturally occurring in the vaginal area as well as in the digestive tract. Candida, also sometimes referred to as Monilia, is the term used in referring to a large collection of yeast-like parasitic organisms that are present in the normal flora. There is particular yeast under this grouping, known as Candida albicans, that is the main cause of candidal infection.

This fungus is the cause of mouth yeast infections. This oral yeast infection also affects the throat. Infants and the elderly are most prone to mouth yeast infection. This type of infection is generally referred to as thrush and the infection develops as a result of the invasion of tissues, state of hypersensitivity and production of harmful toxins.

There are also complicating infections on people suffering from mouth yeast infections if their immune system is weakened.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Yeast Infections: There are 4 types of mouth yeast infection:

• Thrush – This type of oral yeast infection is associated with yellowish or whitish coating of the palate. When these patches are wiped off, an underlying red tissue is exposed.

• Erythematous – This is characterized by red patches that peel off and are commonly found on the tongue and the palate.

• Hyperplastic – This is the chronic form of oral yeast infection. This ensuing extra tissue that develops as a result of the active fungal infection cannot be readily removed and may exhibit discoloration. This condition is mainly due to tobacco and the type of diet.

• Angular Cheilitis – This form of mouth yeast infection manifests reddish cracks along the mouth corners which are usually coated by a false membrane. This oral yeast infection can develop as an associated infection of other types of candidiasis. It is important that you properly distinguish the symptoms that are associated with oral yeast infections from those signs and symptoms that are attributable to the deficiency of Vit. B-Complex, teeth loss, exposure to sunlight and dysmenorrhea.

Mouth yeast infections will also result to painful and burning sensations although in most cases, the oral candidiasis is asymptomatic. Other typical symptoms that can be attributed to oral yeast infection include unusual craving for sugary foods, bread and alcohol.

Individuals who develop this fungal infection will also experience digestive complications, joint and muscle pains, depression and lethargy. Proper diagnosis is essential in the proper treatment of oral yeast infection. You have to seek medical advice before starting any kind of treatment.

Major Causes of Oral Yeast Infection

Oral yeast infection is directly associated with weakened immune system due to drug and anti-bacterial therapies, systemic medical maladies and other medical conditions that is directly related to the changes that occur in your oral cavity.

There was a time that oral yeast infections were considered rare type of oral infection. However, with the heightened use of antibacterial medications, contraceptive pills, gluco-cortisteroid formulations and anti-depressants that are tri-cyclic, oral yeast infection became a common and serious oral infection that affected many people.