Oral Yeast Infections

Oral yeast infections are quite a common occurrence among both men and women of all ages. Like other yeast infections, oral yeast infections are also primarily caused by the fungus Candida albicans, which is a naturally found microorganism in the human body. This Candida albicans lives in the mucous membranes of the body including the mouth, intestines and vagina. Due to certain imbalances in the body, this fungus multiplies indiscriminately and quite literally takes over various systems in the body. One of the effects of this is an oral yeast infection.

Oral yeast infections, also known as Thrush, affect people of all ages, but are found more commonly in infants and the elderly. The symptoms of oral yeast infection are quite typical and easy to diagnose since they can be observed through the naked eye. The first and most obvious symptom of oral yeast infections is thrush or moniliasis. This is a thick, creamy white or even yellow layer in the mouth and tongue. This thrush is difficult to wipe off and often reveals red and sore tissue underneath. Oral yeast infection is also characterized by red, scaly and peeling patches in the mouth especially on the palate which is called erythematous. Another symptom of oral yeast infections is extra tissue in the mouth which is difficult to get off, and which may be stained due to the use of tobacco or staining foods. A final sign of oral yeast infection is cracks at the corners of the mouth which have to be differentiated from those due to vitamin deficiency, dry lips etc.

Apart from these symptoms that help in identifying oral yeast infections, there are some other signs too. Oral yeast infections may lead to sensations of burning and pain. Oral yeast infections also tend to increase a craving for sugar, bread and alcohol. Also when there is an oral yeast infection it is often accompanied by depression, fatigue, and joint pains.

Causes of oral yeast infections are usually those that lead to other kinds of yeast infection. The first among these that may lead to oral yeast infections is the use of broad spectrum antibiotics. These antibiotics destroy not only the harmful, but also the beneficial bacteria in the human body. The absence of all the bacteria in the body allows the oral yeast infection causing fungi to take over and attack the body.
Stress has also been indicated as a causative factor in oral yeast infections. Due to stress there is a rise in cortisol levels which suppresses the immune system and feeds the growth of yeast. The increase in yeast leads to the oral yeast infection while the suppressed immune system is unable to fight it.

Oral yeast infections can also be the result of using oral contraceptives in the form of birth control pills. These pills introduce synthetic estrogen into the body which acts to encourage the multiplication of yeast.
Treatment of oral yeast infections involves the use of prescription drugs like Amphotericin B, Candicidin etc. All these medicines are anti-fungals which have proven successful in treating oral yeast infections. Oral yeast infections are also treated by controlling the diet to eliminate foods that encourage yeast development.