Even a healthy mouth contains various bacteria and fungi. Typically, your daily oral hygiene routine helps prevent oral health issues. However, an imbalance can lead to complications such as oral thrush. Here’s what you need to know about oral thrush and how to prevent it, from your trusted dentist in Surrey at Strawberry Hill Family Dental.
What is Oral Thrush? Oral thrush is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida in your mouth. While Candida is naturally present, it’s important to keep its levels in check. Thrush appears as white, thick patches on your tongue or inner cheeks and may also look like patchy, white sores.
Who is Affected? Young children, infants, and the elderly are more susceptible to oral thrush. Those with weakened immune systems or diabetes are also at higher risk. Smokers tend to develop oral thrush more frequently than other patients.
Symptoms of Oral Thrush Oral thrush can cause difficulty swallowing and tasting, and as it progresses, it can become painful. Affected areas may feel like they are burning, and slight bleeding can occur if you scrape your tongue or cheeks. Some patients describe the sensation as having cotton in their mouth.
Potential Complications For individuals with weakened immune systems, thrush can spread beyond the mouth, potentially reaching the lungs, digestive tract, and even the heart.
Prevention Tips The best way to prevent oral thrush is by maintaining a thorough daily oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth and cleaning your tongue. Using a tongue scraper can help remove bacteria and fungi from your tongue.
The American Dental Association suggests that some patients might benefit from using antimicrobial toothpaste or mouthwash. Consult with our dentist in Surrey at Strawberry Hill Family Dental to determine the best options for you.
Regular Dental Exams Regular dental exams are essential. If you have diabetes, it’s particularly important to schedule regular visits. Our team at Strawberry Hill Family Dental can help monitor your oral health and work with you to prevent issues like thrush.
For more tips on maintaining a healthy mouth or to schedule your next visit, please contact Strawberry Hill Family Dental today.