FAQ: Tongue Thrush

Tongue thrush is a condition caused by fungi known as Candida albicans on the lining of the mouth. It causes painful, white lesions on the tongue and the inside of the cheeks. It is a minor problem for healthy people, but it can prove severe for people whose immune systems are weakened or compromised.

Q: What are the symptoms of tongue thrush?

A: Tongue thrush is characterized by white, cottage cheese-like lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks and, occasionally, the roof of the mouth, gums and tonsils. Other symptoms include pain, a diminished ability to taste food and a feeling like one’s mouth is full of cotton.

Q: What causes it?

A: Illnesses and drugs, especially antibiotics, can cause thrush. Some of the most common illnesses that cause thrush include HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes mellitus and vaginal yeast infections. The last one is especially risky for pregnant women, because they can pass it on to their babies. Denture wearers are especially at risk for thrush.

Q: How is thrush treated?

A: Healthy adults and children with thrush can eat unsweetened yogurt or take acidophilus pills to restore the normal bacteria in the body. If these do not work, a doctor can prescribe an antifungal medication. Adults with weakened immune systems are usually prescribed antifungal medication or, especially in the case of late-stage HIV patients, amphotericin B when other forms of treatment have failed.

Q: Is it possible to prevent thrush?

A: Prevention measures for thrush include rinsing of the mouth, consumption of yogurt with probiotics, such as Greek yogurt, treatment of vaginal yeast infections, regular trips to the dentist and a diet low in sugar and yeast-rich foods.