New parents in Massachusetts will have heard it all, looking out for mumps, colds, ear infections, and a number of other scary potential problems from their doctor or parenting books. But a lesser-known condition is oral thrush. Oral thrush is a mild condition that rarely develops into anything serious, but it can be uncomfortable. If your child is experiencing it you might have a couple of restless evenings. Take a look at our guide so that Massachusetts can handle oral thrush in babies and toddlers.
Symptoms
Also known as oral candidiasis, oral thrush is a yeast infection happening inside your mouth. It is most common in infants and toddlers and can be identified by yellowish and white bumps forming in the inside of the child’s cheeks and on their tongue, and in adults on the tonsils, gums, and lips.
Oral thrush is most common in babies and toddlers, but it can also occur in adults with weakened immune systems. Occasionally the yeast infection causing your oral thrush can spread to other parts of your body, causing serious complications.
Other symptoms include slight bleeding of these bumps if they are scraped, burning or sore mouth, and a cotton-like sensation in the mouth. There is likewise dryness and breaking skin at the edges of your mouth, trouble with inflammation, a bad taste in the mouth, or a loss of taste to take into consideration.
If you find yourself with any of these symptoms, experts across Massachusetts – from dentists Weymouth MA to those in Boston – can assist in the treatment of your oral thrush.
Causes
Being a yeast infection, oral thrush is caused in the same way: with an overgrowth of fungus, namely Candida albicans.
This fungus is already in the mouth in a small capacity causing no harm, and when your immune system is doing its job the helpful bacteria in your body keep it under control.
However, if a Massachusettsans’ immune system is compromised, by things such as cancer treatments, leukemia, HIV, and diabetes, or they have an imbalance of microorganisms, the fungus can get out of control and cause thrush.
Certain medications, like antibiotics, can kill off the friendly microorganisms fighting the fungus, allowing it to spread.
You can catch oral thrush from someone who has it. For example, it can be passed on through a kiss, passing the fungus.
Treatment
Speak to your dentist if you suspect you or your child is suffering from oral thrush. A dentist can treat oral thrush with an antifungal medication like fluconazole or clotrimazole. Your child might be offered an antifungal mouthwash containing nystatin and severe cases might require itraconazole or amphotericin, which are stronger oral antifungal medications.
With treatment, your oral thrush shouldn’t last any more than a couple of weeks, but it may come back.
In the meantime, Massachusetts, brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush to avoid scraping the bumps and replace it once your thrush is gone. You will also need to take care to clean any dentures carefully after your thrush is treated.
