Mouth yeast infection: symptoms, treatments, contagious?

The mycosis of the mouth (or oral mycosis) is caused by the fungus Candida albicans. This fungus (yeast) is normally present in the mouth but in certain contexts, It can proliferate uncontrolled And cause a yeast infection. How does a yeast infection graze from the mouth? What symptoms to recognize it? Is it contagious ? How to get rid of it and treat it? Tips and photos.

What is the definition of oral yeast infection?

The yeast in the mouth is An infection caused by a fungus called Candida Albicansa yeast naturally presents on the skin, in the digestive tract and in the mouth. But sometimes external factors lead to its proliferation, causing a fungal infection, called candidiasis. Among the mycoses of the mouth, it is necessary to distinguish:

• Buccal thrush (especially frequent in children)
• The pearl
• The black language.

What are the symptoms of mycosis in the mouth?

“The symptoms can be very different from one person to another and depending on the mushroom strain questioned”recalls Doctor Christophe Lequart, dental surgeon.
The main symptoms are:

• Of the whitish deposits inside the cheeks which are removed when you scratch them (especially in the event of thrush).
• A language that is most often white or red under the effect of inflammation. It can also be black or greenish
• Pain and inflammation in the mouth.
• Certain discomfort and discomfort during meals.
• A glossitis which is characterized by an inflammation of the language which becomes red and painful.

Photo of a mouthy of the mouth

Is it contagious?

Unlike other types of yeast infections, Yeast of the mouth is generally not contagious. Be careful all the same, it can be in a person whose immunity is weak.

The primary cause is of course the fungus responsible for the infection and particularly the type mushrooms Candidates. These fungi are present in our mouths but most often live in harmony with protective bacteria which are naturally in our mouth. “But it happens in some people that this balance is broken, which makes mushrooms take over”explains the practitioner.
Several reasons are involved:

• Bad oral hygiene
• The wearing of poorly maintained removable prosthesis
• Immunosuppressive treatments
• Large spectrum antibiotics
• Diabetes
• HIV
• Radiation therapy/chemotherapy
• Corticosteroids
• Neuroleptics
• A oral drought, especially in the elderly

What treatment to get rid of mycosis in the mouth?

The treatment of oral yeast infection consists of:

• Taking antifungal in suspension or tablet (drugs to be taken outside meals and drinks and which must be kept in contact with the mucous membrane as long as possible, at least several minutes)
• The use of antiseptic mouthwashes
• In the event of a dental prosthesis, it must be decontaminated by brushing it with An antifungal solution (amphotericin) And by rinsing it with water and bicarbonate.

Food: what to eat (or not) in case of oral mycosis?

Certain hygieno-dietetic measures are often recommended in case of oral mycosis. To know:

• Eliminate sugars that promote the growth of fungi.
• Avoid fermented foods or containing yeasts (bread, fermented cheeses, alcoholic drinks, etc.)
• Avoid dairy products and lactose
• Avoid acidic products
• Stop exciting like coffee, tea, alcohol and cigarettes.

The first results of this diet are felt in the first two months but it must be continued 6 to 12 months in general.

Clinical symptoms are enough to diagnose oral yeast infections.

The best way to avoid a recurrence of mycosis language is to have exemplary oral hygiene. “So you have to you brush your teeth twice a day, preferably a soft toothbrush and use fluorinated toothpaste. It is also advisable to use interdental bosses and dental wire “concludes the dental surgeon.

Thank you to Doctor Christophe Lequart, liberal dental surgeon and spokesperson for the UFSBD (French Union for Oral Health.