Our mouth is an incredible ecosystem that is home to a vast number of microorganisms — some beneficial, others potentially harmful. When all is well, our body is able to maintain a balance among these “residents”, preventing the more harmful ones from proliferating. Sometimes, however, things do not go as they should: following other illnesses, nutritional deficiencies, the use of certain medications, or when our immune system is under strain, this balance can be disrupted. In such cases, our mouth becomes the site of infections and disease.

Mouth ulcers and oral candidiasis are among the most common diseases of the oral cavity. The former are familiar to all: they are troublesome, round or oval blisters of a whitish colour, surrounded by a ring of reddened and inflamed tissue that can cause considerable pain. They typically develop on the inner surface of the lips or on the tongue, but may also appear on the inner cheeks or the gums.

It is often not straightforward to identify the trigger behind the appearance of a mouth ulcer. A characteristic factor that can lead to the development of this troublesome inflammation is stress, and women tend to be affected more frequently than men. The consumption of certain foods (too hot, spicy, or crunchy, as well as foods to which one is allergic), smoking, alcoholic beverages, or the use of overly aggressive mouthwashes can also irritate the oral mucosa. Finally, certain systemic diseases — those involving the entire body — as well as the use of specific medications such as antibiotics or corticosteroids, which can lower immune defences, may make the mouth more susceptible to ulcers and infections.

Oral candidiasis, on the other hand, is an infection triggered by the excessive proliferation of a fungus already naturally present in our body: Candida albicans. This type of infection is characterised by white patches on the tongue, cheeks, and palate; it is most prevalent in children and infants — where it is known as “oral thrush” — but can also affect adults.

These conditions may require medical attention, with a doctor prescribing specific treatments (antibacterial, antifungal, or anti‑inflammatory medications) to relieve discomfort and resolve the problem.

While professional consultation is essential for effective therapy, nature and good daily habits can also provide valuable support in managing stomatitis and promoting healing.

First and foremost, it’s important to stay away from the usual “bad habits” that can damage the oral mucosa. Smoking is one of the main causes of chronic inflammation in the mouth, which, over time, can lead to more serious diseases.

Alcoholic beverages, in addition to dehydrating the oral mucosa and making it more prone to ulcers and sores, are also rich in sugars – the favorite “food” of Candida.

The key to overcoming Candida is maintaining the correct pH balance in the oral cavity.

Harmful microorganisms, such as Candida albicans, thrive in an acidic environment, while a neutral pH creates conditions that are unfavorable for their growth.

Here saliva plays a crucial role: it acts as a powerful buffer, capable of restoring the mouth’s pH to neutrality within just a few minutes after consuming foods and drinks that tend to acidify it.

For this reason, it is essential not to neglect daily oral hygiene: brushing after every meal facilitates the return to neutrality and allows the removal of food residues on which these microorganisms could feed.

Make sure to schedule regular check-up appointments with your dentist: thorough cleaning is the foundation of a healthy mouth, and periodic check-ups can help monitor the state of oral health and identify any issues before they become debilitating.

Nutrition plays a key role in oral health. Candida, for example, thrives on sugar-rich foods and carbohydrates in general. Limiting their consumption can help restore the natural balance in which the microorganism lives, making recovery easier and faster.

But that’s not all! A balanced diet rich in vitamins and fiber benefits the entire body. Careful, though – not to overdo fruit and fruit juices: they contain fructose, a type of sugar.

A stronger immune system is our first line of defense against inflammation. Mouth ulcers can even be an early sign of vitamin deficiencies. If you suspect this, consult your doctor or a nutritionist.

Consuming probiotic‑rich products, such as yogurt or fermented drinks, can also support intestinal flora. When “good bacteria” are healthy, they help maintain balance and fight the spread of harmful microorganisms, such as Candida or the bacteria responsible for ulcers.

Should diet alone prove insufficient to meet our body’s needs, we can turn to the use of supplements. Zinc-based supplements in particular can prove very helpful in reducing the incidence of mouth ulcers, also speeding up their recovery.

Inflamed mucous membranes need to be soothed. Here, good old natural remedies can also help bring relief from the burning sensation of oral candidiasis and mouth ulcers: a simple solution of water and salt, or water and bicarbonate, can help alleviate the pain and accelerate the healing process. Furthermore, these solutions can make the oral ecosystem less… welcoming for the microorganisms responsible for infections.

Cariex®, with its formulation based on bicarbonate, xylitol, and hyaluronic acid — naturally present in the mucous membranes — intervenes to strengthen the effectiveness of saliva in maintaining a healthy mouth. Thanks to its rapid action, Cariex® immediately restores oral pH, reducing acidity and making the environment inhospitable to the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms.

Its action lasts for approximately forty minutes, giving the mouth time to regulate pH and “covering” the time window required for the natural buffering mechanisms to take effect. The spray formulation of Cariex® — convenient to administer even in younger patients — also creates a protective film within the oral cavity. Its natural ingredients act on inflammation, alleviating it and providing immediate relief.

The end of the holidays, the return to school, and the change of season are all factors that can trigger stress — and with it, an unwelcome visitor: oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis.

Candida albicans, the microorganism responsible for this infection, is naturally present in our mouth, on our skin, and on our mucous membranes. Under normal conditions, our body is able to maintain a balance that prevents Candida from proliferating.
Stress, changes in lifestyle, and certain illnesses are among the many factors that can disrupt this balance, leading to an overgrowth of this unwanted organism and the consequent development of oral thrush.

Oral thrush is a fungal infection particularly prevalent in children and infants. However, it can affect anyone, with the most vulnerable age groups being infants under six months and the elderly, due to an immune system that may not function optimally. Additionally, individuals in these age groups may experience suboptimal saliva production. The salivary glands simply do not produce enough; in the absence of an adequate quantity of saliva, the buffering capacity it exerts within the oral cavity may be compromised. As a result, the mouth frequently finds itself in an acidic pH state: in addition to damaging and demineralising teeth, this condition creates the perfect environment for the proliferation of harmful microorganisms… including Candida albicans!
A correct oral pH is the first line of defence against fungal infections such as oral thrush.

The symptoms of oral thrush are usually unmistakable. The unequivocal sign of an ongoing infection is the presence of whitish patches in the oral cavity — on the inner lining of the cheeks, the palate, the gums, and the tongue. In the case of very young infants who are still breastfed, there is a risk of confusing these small patches with milk residue: take care not to scrape them off! The removal of oral thrush plaques can in fact be painful and lead to bleeding, thereby worsening the sensation of discomfort.

In severe cases, the infection can spread beyond the back of the throat, causing pain and difficulty swallowing.

While oral thrush is not inherently dangerous, it should be treated promptly and carefully to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.

The diagnosis of oral thrush is usually straightforward. A dentist or general practitioner is able to identify the presence of the infection through a quick examination of the oral cavity. On occasion, however, it may be necessary to take a small sample from one of the patches for further laboratory testing, in order to dispel any remaining doubt.

Although oral thrush is common, it can be prevented through simple practices aimed at maintaining oral health and preserving the balance of the oral microbiome. These habits are also helpful during an active infection, as they can support faster recovery.

Good oral hygiene is essential to prevent many oral infections, including candidiasis. Brushing three times a day and using dental floss correctly should become daily habits. Brushing after every meal removes food residues and promptly restores oral pH to a neutral level, preventing the growth of harmful microorganisms.

Scheduling regular check-ups with your dentist is also important, even when teeth are healthy: professional cleaning should be carried out every six months. However, care should be taken with the products used: certain oral hygiene products, such as aggressive mouthwashes containing alcohol or antibacterial agents, should be used judiciously. Excessive frequency of use can in fact damage the health of the oral mucosa, potentially leading to the development of infections — both bacterial and fungal — such as oral candidiasis.

Oral health reflects overall body health. Conditions such as diabetes can disrupt the body’s microbial balance, which may increase susceptibility to oral thrush. Managing these underlying health issues is important for maintaining a healthy mouth.

Oral thrush is treatable, and in otherwise healthy individuals, it usually responds well to therapy. In patients with compromised immune systems – such as those with HIV or undergoing certain cancer treatments – the infection may be more challenging to eliminate.

A healthcare professional should be consulted to prescribe the appropriate antifungal medication, typically taken for several days up to a couple of weeks.

Diet plays a primary role in the management of oral thrush. Candida is a fungus that thrives by feeding on sugars. A diet low in sweets — as well as in particularly sugary fruits — with a limited intake of simple carbohydrates, can help reduce the proliferation of the microorganism and promote faster recovery. When returning to school, therefore, it is best to opt for healthy snacks. No chocolate, sweets, or packaged snack foods. Wholegrain products and fibre are the way to go, and for fruit, an apple — preferably green — is the ideal choice.

Alongside pharmacological therapy, it is also possible — always following consultation with your doctor — to turn to certain therapeutic supplements to alleviate discomfort and reduce distress. Proper oral hygiene is the foundation of every healthy mouth, and Cariex® is a valuable addition to facilitate recovery from oral thrush. Just a few sprays of this dental spray are sufficient to rapidly restore a neutral oral pH, limiting the growth of Candida; its formulation is specifically designed to adhere to the oral mucosa and provide immediate relief, even in very young children.

The holidays are approaching, we’re feeling increasingly tired, and the heat gives us no relief – then canker sores appear!

Mouth Ulcers (also known as Aphthous Ulcers, Oral Aphthae, or Aphthous Stomatitis) are temporary micro-lacerations of the oral mucosa, yet they often present in a particularly painful form. They appear as an ulcer with a white/yellow centre and bright red edges.

Their size can vary, typically ranging from 3 to 5 millimeters in diameter, and they usually develop on the inner cheeks, under the tongue, or behind the lips.

There is no single cause for the appearance of canker sores, but they often result from a combination of factors, such as:

• Periods of stress or nervous tension
• Excessive heat
• Deficiency of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, or other nutrients
• Food allergies or certain foods (e.g., chocolate)
• Celiac disease
• Hormonal changes or the menstrual cycle
• Accidental injuries to the mucosa (e.g., biting the cheek, overly aggressive dental cleaning)

Heat and UV exposure can trigger their onset. Individuals prone to canker sores often notice them appearing more frequently during hot weather, especially on vacation days with significant sun exposure and irregular eating habits.

Canker sores usually follow a natural course of a few days and disappear on their own. To support healing, it’s best to avoid alcohol, spicy foods, fried foods, acidic foods, or very hot foods.

A highly effective natural remedy – not only for canker sores but for the entire oral cavity – is sodium bicarbonate. Since a canker sore is an acidic ulceration, bicarbonate, being an alkaline salt, helps neutralize acidity, reducing pain and discomfort.

Cariex®, a mucoadhesive dental spray containing bicarbonate, eliminates unpleasant discomfort and, by restoring oral pH, helps prevent canker sores and stomatitis. Additionally, thanks to hyaluronic acid, an excellent lubricant and moisturizer ideal for inflammation, it soothes pain and accelerates the healing of ulcerative lesions.