Oral Yeast Infection- A/K/A Thrush

An oral yeast infection occurs when the Candida albicans fungus penetrates and infects the lining of your mouth.  More commonly known as thrush, both adults and children can be affected by oral yeast infections. 

Oral yeast infections normally occur in small children and babies, the elderly, and in individuals with weakened immune systems.  Oral thrush is usually easily treated in children and adults that are healthy—however it tends to become harder to control and widespread in those whose immune systems have been compromised.

Babies and Children

Oral yeast infection symptoms in children appear as white cottage cheese looking patches inside the mouth.  Often it is mistaken for residual breast milk or formula.  However, the patches are not easily cleaned away and, if rubbed too hard, can bleed.  Another symptom is difficulty swallowing and a sore mouth. 

Babies may also refuse to eat and seem  fussy as the result of a thrush infection.  In babies, another tell tale sign of thrush may be a recurring or persistent diaper rash.  This is because the bacteria that created the oral yeast infection tends to grow and breed inside the colon and is passed in the baby’s the stool.  Sometimes babies may exhibit no visible symptoms. 

Unfortunately, the baby may pass the yeast infection to the mother’s nipples via breastfeeding.  When a mother’s breasts become infected with candida albicans the following symptoms are usually experienced:

• Nipples that are inflamed and tender.
• The areola may become flaky.
• Significant pain while nursing or tender throbbing nipples between feedings.
• Sharp deep pains in the breast.

Adults

In adults, common symptoms of oral yeast infections include a burning sensation in the mouth and throat at the start of an infection.  Again, white patches that resemble cottage cheese may be evident in the mouth and on the tongue.  Thrush may also spread to the roof of your mouth, the gums and your tonsils.  The surrounding oral tissue can get agitated and raw, and may even bleed easily if scraped while brushing your teeth.  You may also experience cotton mouth or a bad taste in your mouth which is common with thrush.

More severe cases of thrush may result in lesions that spread into your esophagus — otherwise known as Candida esophagitis.  Should this occur, you will most likely experience difficulty in swallowing and food may get lodged in your throat. 

Recommendations

Diet has everything to do with the onset of an overgrowth of yeast in your body.  While fighting a yeast infection it’s always best to stay away from high carb foods, sugar, beer, alcohol, fermented foods, white and wheat flour, just to name a few.  Any medication or supplement program you try will be inhibited if your diet isn’t adjusted accordingly.

Treatment for an oral yeast infection traditionally includes anti-fungal medications, either by prescription or over the counter.  These medications may temporarily alleviate the symptoms, but more often than not, the thrush becomes resistant to these medications and returns with a vengeance. 

I personally recommend adding a good probiotic, such as Latero-Flora, to your daily supplement routine.  Probiotics are very effective in reinforcing a healthy balance of gut flora.  This will, in turn, make your body a “hostile environment” for thrush and underlying yeast infections.

Latero-Flora contains a very unique strain of friendly bacteria called Bacillus Laterosporus.  Bacillus Laterosporus is a spore bearing bacteria that is “encased” in such a way that it is able to survive the stomach acids and make its way into the colon to effectively grow and flourish in order to build the immune system.  This allows for a rebalance of healthy gut flora which in turn will help control the underlying yeast infection that is causing the thrush. 

Latero-Flora is the highest quality probiotic to be found on the market and is also quite easy to use.  It can be taken orally in pill form or applied topically by mixing with water and garling or swishing in the mouth.  Specific directions and other useful tips for curing yeast infections can be found here. 

Natural remedies have proven to be very effective, and tend to be easier on your wallet.  The also have the added benefit of treating not only the symptoms of oral yeast infection, but also the underlying cause. 

Generally, an oral yeast infection isn’t easily spread.  Candida overgrowth develops due to an imbalance within the body, which can’t be transferred to someone else—that is, unless their immune system is already compromised. 

It’s always best to take immediate steps to treat your oral yeast infection now, before it worsens and spreads out of control.

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