You might experience a few of the following signs:
- White or creamy-white spots or patches on the tongue, roof of the mouth, interior of the mouth, or on the lips. with a cottage cheese-like texture
- You can scrape patches off.
- Having a dry tongue and/or losing flavorOral candidiasis, also known as thrush, is a fungal infection caused by the yeast Candida. It can cause symptoms such as white patches on the tongue and inside of the cheeks, soreness, and difficulty swallowing.
Treatment options for oral candidiasis include:
- Antifungal medications: These are usually taken orally in the form of tablets or liquid suspensions. Common medications include nystatin suspension, fluconazole, and clotrimazole (compounded for oral use).
- Home remedies: Some home remedies that may help include rinsing the mouth with salt water, using a solution of equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide, and eating yogurt with live cultures.
It is important to talk to Mister Pharmacist to determine the cause of your oral candidiasis, as it can be caused by a variety of factors such as taking antibiotics, steroid inhalers, diabetes, or a weakened immune system. A healthcare professional can also help determine the best course of treatment for you and monitor your progress.
It is also important to maintain good oral hygiene, such as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and avoiding sugary and processed foods. Additionally, if you are a smoker, you should stop smoking as it can worsen the infection and prevent it from healing.