Overview
Oral thrush is common in babies, older adults and people with weak immunity. It is usually easy to treat.
Symptoms
- Creamy white patches on the tongue, gums or inside the cheeks
- Redness and soreness in the mouth
- Cracks at the corners of the mouth
- An unpleasant taste
- Difficulty feeding in babies
Causes and risk factors
It is caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast. Risk factors include antibiotics, steroid inhalers, dentures, diabetes, dry mouth, smoking and a weak immune system.
Diagnosis
A doctor or dentist diagnoses it by examining the mouth.
Treatment
Treatment includes antifungal gels, drops or tablets, cleaning dentures and rinsing the mouth after steroid inhalers.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if thrush does not go away, keeps returning or makes swallowing painful.
This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.
