Mouth Yeast Infection

The most common mouth yeast infection is caused by the yeast candida, which is a normal part of the digestive and vaginal tracts. A particular yeast organism in this group, Monilia albicans, causes candidiasis (sometimes known as moniliasi. The organism infects the mouth and throat, especially of babies and the elderly. In this form, it is called thrush.

Candida species are assumed to cause disease by tissue invasion, by inducing a hypersensitive state, or by producing potent toxins. In individuals with compromised immune systems, Candida can cause a variety of infections.

The four clinical forms of oral candidiasis are:

Moniliasis or thrush -- a smooth creamy white or yellow coating on the tongue, throat or mouth. When the surface is wiped off, a red underlying tissue is revealed.

Erythematous -- red, peeling patches, most commonly on the palate and tongue.

Hyperplastic (chronic) -- extra tissue that cannot readily be wiped off and may appear discolored because of staining caused by foods or tobacco.

Angular cheilitis -- red cracks at the corners of the mouth often covered by a pseudo membrane. Angular cheilitis can occur with other forms of candidiasis or appear separately.

Oral candidiasis may cause burning or painful sensations but usually has no such symptoms. Other symptoms that may be yeast connected include a craving for sugar, alcohol, or bread, digestive problems, fatigue, depression, and muscle or joint pains.

Oral candidiasis is initiated by the overgrowth of yeast due to a variety of causes. These include the use of broad spectrum antibiotics, steroids, birth control pills and tricyclics antidepressants.

Mouth yeast infections are more prevalent in those people who have diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hypoadrenalism, and Sjogren’s syndrome (reduced saliva).

Dietary folate or iron deficiencies as well as radiation of the head and neck region may also predispose people to oral candidiasis development.

To treat mouth yeast infections vitamins and acidophilus may be prescribed, plus a therapeutic diet and effective drug therapy, along with a diary taken of everything they eat or take in by mouth for five days.

The drugs used in treatment may include Nystatin, Amphotericin B, Ketoconazole preparations, Candicidin and Triazoles.

Other remedies may include grapefruit seed extract, capricin tea, homeopathic Candida silicea, artemisia, grape seed oil, and gentian.

A careful diet is necessary during treatment to prevent the re-growth of the candida yeast. The diet should avoid alcohol, sugar, white flour, and refined or processed carbohydrates. In addition, in order to provide optimal treatment results, fruit and milk, as well as any foods that have been dried, fermented, or that contain yeasts or molds, must be excluded.

Also, sterilizing your tooth brush in household hydrogen peroxide or 70 percent alcohol for a few minutes will prevent its re-contamination of the mouth with organisms that survive on the brush.

Taking lacto bacillus acidophilus is safe and inexpensive. In itself it is not a cure but can help provide a healthier and better recovery from a yeast infection. Each use of antibiotics can alter the balance of bacteria. A diet adequate in important nutrients aids this balance for health.

It is important to take professional help when curing any yeast infection. We recommend the book Yeast Infection No More, by Linda Allen. Linda is a certified nutritionist and health counsellor who cured her own chronic yeast infection. The book is comprehensive, yet simple and easy to follow.