Most people in the oral cavity contain fungi of the genus Candida, until a certain time completely manifest themselves. But, if the protective properties of the body for some reason begin to decline, this leads to their development. Fungi affect not only the internal oral cavity, but also the corners of the lips. Self-medication in this case is not worth it, as this can lead to serious complications.
Causes of occurrence
The fungus of the oral cavity (thrush or candidiasis) appears when favorable conditions for them occur. These include:
- decreased immunity;
- hormonal imbalance;
- general deterioration of the body;
- violation of the balance of microflora;
- radiation therapy used for cancer;
- malocclusion or damage to the teeth, causing trauma to the oral mucosa;
- wearing dentures;
- violation of hygiene rules.
Very often, the fungus in the mouth affects young children up to a year or older people. Women are much more susceptible to this disease. You can become infected with candidiasis by contact or by using common objects: dishes, a toothbrush, towels, etc. Newborn babies become infected from their mothers, and smokers get this infection when they smoke one cigarette.
Main symptoms
As soon as fungi penetrate the cells of healthy tissues, they begin their active reproduction, while secreting enzymes and forming loosely coupled cellular compounds - pseudomycelia. This leads to irritation of the mucous membrane and destruction of adjacent tissues.
Thus, if there is a fungus in the mouth, its symptoms may appear as follows:
- dry mouth
- hypersensitivity;
- redness;
- edema.
As fungi begin to multiply, white rashes appear in the oral cavity. At first, they resemble curdled grains, after which there is a plaque in the form of a milk film. It covers individual areas, which, as they increase, begin to merge. Such areas covered with white coating are called plaques. They can occur on the cheeks, gums, tonsils, palate. If this infection affects the lips, then their surface is covered with scales and white flakes.
At the very beginning of the development of the disease, plaque is removed quite easily. The surface rid of it begins to turn red and becomes covered with small ulcers. This is due to the fact that fungi secrete special enzymes that destroy the cells of nearby tissues. After some time, the tissues begin to be affected more and more deeply.
At this stage, the fungus in the mouth is characterized by the following symptoms:
- itching and burning;
- irritating effect of spicy, spicy, hot food;
- temperature rise;
- difficulty swallowing;
- the occurrence of mycotic seizures;
- difficult passage of food.
Diagnostics
If a fungus appears in the mouth in adults, it is necessary to seek qualified help from a dentist or periodontist. If a fungal infection has spread beyond the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, then consultation with an infectious disease specialist or mycologist will be needed.
First, the doctor examines the patient's oral cavity and asks him about the features of the course of the disease. To clarify the clinical picture of candidiasis, the following types of tests are performed:
- scraping from the affected areas of the oral cavity;
- general blood analysis;
- determination of blood sugar.
If such a need arises, the doctor may prescribe additional tests to clarify the individual characteristics of the body and the nature of the course of this disease. Each patient has their own treatment regimen.
Treatment
If there is a fungus in the mouth, its treatment is carried out using drugs of general and local action, which should only be prescribed by a doctor.
General treatment involves the use of oral medications that restore the normal microflora of the body and eliminate the excessive activity of fungi. For this, antibiotics are used, as well as antimicrobial and antiparasitic drugs.
Local treatment consists in the use of rinses, mouthwashes, applications, etc. These can be disinfectant and alkaline solutions and agents that help restore damaged mucosa and have a bactericidal effect on the inner surface of the oral cavity.
Diet
To successfully cure a fungus in your mouth, you must follow a diet and proper diet. The diet should not be spicy, salty, hard, acidic and spicy foods and dishes that cause irritation of the oral mucosa. You should refuse from sweet foods that can activate the growth of fungi.
You need to eat in small portions several times a day. Products must be warm, soft, contain a large amount of vitamins. A specific menu should be made by the attending physician.
Prevention
So that the fungus in the mouth could not prove itself in all its glory, preventive measures should be taken, including:
- careful hygiene;
- proper nutrition;
- care for gums and teeth;
- rejection of bad habits;
- strengthening immunity;
- timely treatment of chronic diseases;
- systematic visits to the dentist.
In addition, you need to use only your personal hygiene items, wash the dishes thoroughly, disinfect towels from time to time, and try not to contact with sick people.
Fungus in the child's mouth
Thrush in newborns can appear even in the hospital if they are touched by medical personnel who are carriers of candidiasis. On the skin of infants, fungi remain active for 2 hours. Also, parents can infect the baby through kisses.
After a year, infection occurs when a child begins to pull toys, especially strangers, into his mouth. Candidiasis arising in preschool age occurs due to weak immunity or prolonged use of antibiotics.
This disease is treated with antifungal drugs, as well as traditional medicine.
Output
Thus, if a fungus occurs in the mouth in adults and children, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will prescribe competent treatment. In no case should you self-medicate, as this can cause various complications.