Have you ever woken up and found a white film in your mouth or on your tongue? Did you also notice a bad taste or a rough texture? If yes, then you most likely have the condition known as oral thrush. While it tends to go away on its own, your dentist thinks it’s best that you understand what causes it and how you can prevent it from now on.
What Is Oral Thrush?
Oral thrush is an infection caused by an overgrowth of the candida fungus—a naturally occurring yeast in the body. It’s usually not harmful but can grow in your mouth, throat, and other parts as well. While it’s in the mouth or on your tongue, it can become irritated and lead to issues like redness and discomfort. The common signs of thrush include:
- A white, cottage cheese-like coating on the tongue
- Redness, burning, or soreness on the tongue
- A dry, rough feeling on the tongue
- Cracks on the tongue or corners of the lips
- A change in the ability to taste
What Causes Oral Thrush?
Generally, this fungus is kept under control by other bacteria in your body, but a change in the immune system can cause it to overgrow and become oral thrush. This can be caused by several conditions such as stress, dry mouth, diabetes, cancer, and even a lack of oral hygiene.
How Do I Prevent Oral Thrush?
Since oral thrush thrives on a weakened immune system, the best way to avoid this infection is to practice habits that promote strong health. These methods consist of:
- Brushing & flossing: The simplest way to prevent thrush is to clean your mouth on a daily basis, making it difficult for the fungus to flourish.
- Limiting antibacterial mouthwashes: These mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can lead to dry mouth.
- Reducing sugary foods: By avoiding food that contain sugar or yeast—like bread, beer, or wine—you limit how much the fungus can thrive on. This can also help maintain good blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
- Avoiding dry mouth: You’ll want to stay hydrated with water and eat foods like cheese to stimulate the production of saliva, which naturally washes away bacteria.
- Visit your dentist regularly: By scheduling your dental checkups twice a year, you’ll get a thorough cleaning, and your dentist could treat any underlying causes that could lead to oral thrush. They might also prescribe you antifungal medication for further treatment.
With these methods, you can help prevent oral thrush while also maintaining clean and fresh dental health. If you’re concerned that you might have oral thrush, call your dentist today!
About the Practice
Crovatto & Edwards Family Dentistry offers passionate and high-quality dental care for Orange Park, FL and the surrounding communities. With their dynamic duo—Dr. Steven Crovatto and Dr. Megan Edwards—they provide a collection of advanced treatments, including dental checkups and cleanings to help prevent or treat oral thrush. Want to know more about thrush? Visit their website or call them at (904) 272-0800.