What causes thrush and how to treat it

Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a common oral infection that primarily affects infants and children. It is characterized by white spots or patches in the mouth that resemble milk curds or okara. These spots or plaques are not easily wiped away and may cause unpleasant symptoms such as pain, burning, and loss of taste in your mouth. So, what causes thrush? How should we deal with it? Oral thrush is usually caused by Candida albicans, a common type of yeast. Here are some possible causes of oral thrush: Decreased immunity: Oral thrush is more likely to occur in people with lowered immunity, such as infants, children, the elderly, and people with certain medical conditions. Poor oral hygiene: Incorrect oral cleaning methods, irregular tooth brushing, and failure to clean up food residues in the mouth in time may lead to the occurrence of oral thrush. Long-term use of antibiotics: The use of antibiotics will destroy the normal flora balance in the oral cavity, giving Candida a chance to grow and multiply. Oral trauma: Wounds, burns, friction, etc. in the oral cavity may provide opportunities for Candida to invade. Contact infection: Oral thrush can be spread through direct contact, such as sharing toothbrushes, tableware, etc. with an infected person. Quote: “Prevention is better than cure.” – Plato Now that we know the causes of oral thrush, how do we deal with it? Here are some common treatments: Keep your mouth clean: Rinse with warm salt water to help remove candida and food particles from your mouth. For babies, clean gauze can be used to gently wipe the mouth. Drug treatment: The doctor may prescribe some antifungal drugs, such as clotrimazole, nystatin, etc. These medications can be taken orally or applied topically into the mouth to inhibit the growth of Candida. Adjust your diet: Avoid irritating foods, such as spicy and acidic foods, to reduce oral irritation. Enhance immunity: Maintain good living habits, such as adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and moderate exercise, to enhance immunity. Avoid cross-infection: For infants and children, pay attention to personal hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and changing toothbrushes regularly to avoid cross-infection. It should be noted that if the symptoms of thrush are severe or last for a long time, it is recommended to seek medical treatment in time so that the doctor can conduct further examination and treatment. In addition, oral thrush is easy to relapse, so after treatment, you still need to maintain good oral hygiene habits to prevent the recurrence of oral thrush. Collection of knowledge on how to care for newborn babies (full version). I hope this article can be helpful to you, so that you can have a deeper understanding of oral thrush and know how to deal with it. Remember, prevention and prompt treatment are key! If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to consult your doctor.