What You Need to Know About Oral Thrush and How to Prevent It | Dentist Near Me
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Even with a healthy daily oral hygiene routine, your mouth naturally contains bacteria and fungi. However, when there’s an imbalance, it can lead to oral health problems such as oral thrush. At Smyle Haus General and Cosmetic Dentistry, we want to provide you with the knowledge to keep your mouth healthy and prevent complications like oral thrush. Here’s what you need to know about this condition and how to avoid it.
WHAT IS ORAL THRUSH?
Oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of _Candida_, a fungus naturally found in the mouth. When allowed to build up, _Candida_ can cause thick, white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, or roof of the mouth. These patches may look like sores and can be uncomfortable or painful if left untreated.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR ORAL THRUSH?
Certain individuals are more likely to develop oral thrush, including infants, young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Diabetics are also at a higher risk due to elevated blood sugar levels, which promote fungal growth. Additionally, smokers tend to develop oral thrush more frequently than non-smokers. If you fall into any of these categories, it’s especially important to stay vigilant about your oral health.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ORAL THRUSH?
Oral thrush can cause discomfort, including difficulty swallowing and tasting food. As the infection progresses, the aff...
