Oral Thrush (Oral Candidiasis): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Noticing white patches, redness, or a sore feeling inside your mouth can be worrying. One common cause is oral thrush, also called oral candidiasis. It is a fungal infection that can affect babies, denture wearers, and adults of all ages. The good news is that it is usually easy to diagnose and treat once the cause is identified.
What Is Oral Thrush?
Oral thrush is an overgrowth of a yeast called Candida, which normally lives in small amounts in the mouth without causing any problems. When the balance of bacteria and yeast in the mouth is disturbed, Candida can multiply and lead to infection. This shows up as creamy white or yellowish patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, or roof of the mouth, sometimes with redness or soreness underneath.
Common Symptoms
- White or cream-coloured patches that may look like cottage cheese
- Redness or a raw feeling if the patches are wiped away
- Soreness, burning, or discomfort while eating or swallowing
- A slightly altered sense of taste
- Cracking or redness at the corners of the mouth
Why Oral Thrush Develops
In Babies
A baby's immune system is still developing, which makes it easier for Candida to grow, especially in the first few months of life. Thrush can also pass back and forth between a breastfeeding mother and baby if one of them has an active yeast infection. Dummies, bottle nipples, and feeding equipment that are not cleaned well can also contribute.
In Denture Wearers
Dentures that do not fit well, are worn continuously without removal at night, or are not cleaned regularly create a warm, moist environment where yeast thrives. This is one of the most common reasons adults over 50 in Vasundhara, Ghaziabad visit us with thrush-like symptoms under their upper denture.
In Adults Generally
Several factors can raise the risk of thrush in adults:
- Dry mouth from medications or certain medical conditions
- Uncontrolled diabetes, which raises sugar levels in saliva
- Use of inhaled steroids for asthma without rinsing the mouth afterward
- Recent antibiotic use, which can disturb the natural balance of bacteria and yeast
- Weakened immunity due to illness or certain treatments
- Smoking
How Oral Thrush Is Diagnosed
In most cases, a dentist or doctor can identify oral thrush by simply examining the mouth. The characteristic white patches and the way they can often be gently scraped off are usually enough for a diagnosis. If the infection is severe, keeps returning, or does not respond to initial treatment, a swab or scraping may be sent to a lab to confirm the presence of Candida and rule out other causes of white patches, such as certain oral lesions that need separate evaluation.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the person's age, the cause, and how severe the infection is.
- Antifungal medication: Gels, liquids, or lozenges applied directly in the mouth are commonly used for mild to moderate cases. More widespread or persistent infections may need antifungal tablets.
- Denture care: Dentures need to be cleaned daily, removed at night, and checked for proper fit. An antifungal rinse for the denture itself may also be recommended.
- Managing the underlying cause: This may include better blood sugar control, rinsing the mouth after using an inhaler, adjusting medications with a doctor, or improving saliva flow if dry mouth is a factor.
- For babies: A paediatrician may prescribe a mild antifungal gel or drops, along with advice on sterilising feeding equipment and treating the mother if breastfeeding is involved.
| Typical Treatment | Typical Range (INR) |
|---|---|
| Dental consultation and examination | Rs 300 to Rs 800 |
| Antifungal gel or oral rinse (per course) | Rs 150 to Rs 500 |
| Denture adjustment or cleaning guidance | Rs 500 to Rs 2,000 |
These are approximate figures for reference in Vasundhara, Ghaziabad and can vary based on the severity of infection and any additional care needed. Your dentist will confirm exact costs after an examination.
When to See a Dentist
It is a good idea to get your mouth checked if white patches do not clear up within a week or two, keep coming back, are painful, or are accompanied by fever or difficulty swallowing. At RAMS Dental Clinic in Vasundhara, Ghaziabad, we examine the mouth carefully, identify the likely cause, and guide you or your child through the right treatment so the infection clears and does not return.
Have questions about your teeth?
RAMS Dental Clinic · Avaj Tower, 438, Sector 12, Vasundhara, Ghaziabad
Frequently asked questions
Is oral thrush contagious?
Oral thrush itself does not usually spread easily between adults through casual contact. However, it can pass from a mother to a baby during breastfeeding if either has an active infection, so both may need treatment together.
Can I treat oral thrush at home?
Mild cases sometimes improve with better oral hygiene, cleaning dentures properly, and reducing sugar intake. However, persistent or painful thrush needs antifungal medicine prescribed by a doctor or dentist, so it is best to get it checked rather than wait it out.
Why do I keep getting oral thrush even after treatment?
Repeated infections often point to an underlying cause such as poorly cleaned dentures, uncontrolled diabetes, dry mouth, or a weakened immune system. Addressing that root cause is necessary to stop thrush from coming back.
Does oral thrush hurt?
It can cause soreness, a burning sensation, or mild discomfort while eating or swallowing, though some people have very few symptoms besides the white patches.
Treatment costs mentioned on this page are indicative ranges for the Vasundhara, Ghaziabad region. Your exact cost depends on your case and will be confirmed after a clinical examination at the clinic.