Fungal Overgrowth
When medication, stress, hormonal changes, or a weakened immune system causes an upset in this balance, C. albicans can grow freely, leading to a condition known as thrush. Most commonly, the fungal overgrowth occurs in the mouth and is known as oral thrush.Most people have small amounts of the Candida fungus in the mouth, digestive tract and skin. They are normally kept in check by other bacteria and microorganisms in the body. When illnesses, stress, or medications disturb this balance, the fungus grows out of control and causes thrush.
Oral thrush is visible as a white coating that covers your mouth and throat. Scraping it off with a tongue depressor will reveal inflamed red areas that often bleed slightly as well. Even if they practice good oral hygiene, people who have oral thrush will notice a constant cottony feeling in their mouth.
Thrush is characterized by a white coating or white patches on the tongue, mouth, inner cheeks, and the back of the throat. The tissue under the white patches is often red, raw, and sore. The lesions can be painful and even bleed when scraped. Oral thrush often looks like cottage cheese or milk curds.
It's possible for thrush to spread during sex, but it's not an STI. However, both sexual partners may need thrush treatment to prevent re-infection. You can help prevent thrush by cleaning your penis regularly and using a condom while having sex with your partner (if they have thrush).
For people with lowered immunity, such as from cancer treatment or HIV/AIDS, thrush can be more serious. Untreated oral thrush can lead to more-serious systemic candida infections. If you have a weakened immune system, thrush may spread to your esophagus or other parts of your body.
Whitening of the tongue can occur when there is a buildup or coating of bacteria and debris on the surface of the tongue due to mild dehydration, illness (when there is less use of the tongue for talking or eating), or dryness of the mouth. Inflammation of the tongue is known as glossitis.
Thrush is characterized by a white coating or white patches on the tongue, mouth, inner cheeks, and the back of the throat. The tissue under the white patches is often red, raw, and sore. The lesions can be painful and even bleed when scraped. Oral thrush often looks like cottage cheese or milk curds.
Oral thrush is visible as a white coating that covers your mouth and throat. Scraping it off with a tongue depressor will reveal inflamed red areas that often bleed slightly as well. Severe oral thrush can also affect your ability to swallow or speak.
White tongue is often related to oral hygiene. Your tongue can turn white when the tiny bumps (papillae) that line it swell up and become inflamed. Bacteria, fungi, dirt, food, and dead cells can all get trapped between the enlarged papillae. This collected debris is what turns your tongue white.
Thrush is a common yeast infection that affects both men and women. Even though Thrush is not recognised as an STI, symptoms can be similar to that of a sexually transmitted infection – making it difficult to know which one is causing your genital discomfort.
