Dr Mary Hatem on Fungal Infections of the Mouth

Oral Candidiasis or oral thrush is an opportunistic infection of the tissues of the mouth, which means it presents when people have decreased levels of immunity or local conditions in the mouth allow it to thrive. Oral thrush occurs more commonly in people with certain conditions including:

• Diabetes
• HIV
• People who use asthma corticosteroid inhalers
• People with dry mouth
• Denture wearers
• People with poor oral hygiene
• Extended use of antibiotics in some people

It usually presents as white plaques that can be wiped off. Once removed, the tissues underneath are usually red and inflamed. Sometimes oral fungal infections can present only as red inflamed tissue, this is called erythematous candidiasis and is more common in denture wearers.

Treatment of oral thrush includes identifying the cause and treating that; such as correcting ill-fitting dentures, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth and incorrect use of inhalers or immune issues. Anti-fungal medications are also usually prescribed, including:

• Amphotericin (Fungilin) lozenges
• Miconazole (Daktarin) oral gel
• Nystatin (Nilstat) oral drops.

– Dr Mary Hatem

Next week: Antibiotic Prophylaxis – Why you may need to have it before dental treatment