The term “thrush” refers to oral candidiasis, a type of stomatitis caused by Candida albicans.

Candida albicans is a fungus normally present in the human body in a latent form and usually does not cause any symptoms. However, under certain conditions that disrupt the body’s natural balance, the environment in which it lives can change. In the case of oral thrush, an acidic environment (acidosis) in the mouth promotes the overgrowth of Candida albicans, turning it from a harmless commensal organism into an aggressive pathogen.

Symptomatic candidiasis can affect different areas of the body, including the mouth (thrush), the vaginal area, the intestines, and the skin.

Oral thrush is particularly common in newborns during the first six months of life, due to the high concentration of lactose in the mouth during breastfeeding. It can also occur in children aged 3 to 9, as their immune systems are still developing.

Of course, oral candidiasis can also occur in adults whenever the immune system is weakened – for example during pregnancy, following debilitating illnesses, with the use of certain medications (antibiotics, corticosteroids), or in any condition that disrupts the balance of beneficial oral bacteria.

Oral Thrush initially presents as widespread redness of the oral mucosa and tongue, which becomes smooth, shiny, and sore; after a few days, small dots and/or whitish patches appear, resembling “curdled milk” in appearance. These patches can often be wiped away with a gauze, revealing inflamed underlying mucosa that can be painful when swallowing and may sometimes bleed.

If left untreated, the fungal overgrowth can spread to the uvula, tonsils, and in more severe cases, reach the esophagus and respiratory tract.

At the first signs of thrush, it is important to intervene – not only to relieve pain and inflammation but, most importantly, to restore the oral environment and counteract the growth of fungi and bacteria.

Cariex® dental spray stands out as a completely natural product containing Bicarbonate, Xylitol, and Hyaluronic Acid, and it can even be used in infants.

Bicarbonate, naturally present in saliva, helps neutralize acids, restore a neutral oral pH, and inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria.

Xylitol, also known as wood sugar, is a natural antibacterial agent that helps prevent plaque formation.

Hyaluronic Acid is an excellent lubricant and moisturizer, ideal for soothing inflammation, relieving pain, and supporting the healing of oral mucosa lesions.

It is recommended to use 3/4 sprays of Cariex® in the oral cavity several times a day during the acute phase and after consuming food or drinks. Additionally, it should be used before bedtime, as salivary glands naturally produce less saliva at night, making the mouth more acidic.

For infants, 2 sprays of Cariex® are recommended after each feeding.

© 2014 by the YES Group, Inc – The Journal of Clinical Dentistry® – The International Journal of Oral Care Product Research: “Salivary pH After a Glucose Rinse: Effect of a New Mucoadhesive Spray (Cariex®) Based on Sodium Bicarbonate and Xylitol” – GM Abbate, DDS L Levrini, MS School of Dentistry and Oral Hygiene, University of Insubria Varese, Italy MP Caria, DDS, PhD Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden.

Many parents know the scenario all too well: even the calmest and most cooperative child suddenly becomes irritable, cries for no apparent reason, and refuses to eat. Could it be colic? Or perhaps the first teeth coming through? Or maybe those whitish patches on the oral mucosa?

Very often, the cause of this discomfort in infants and young children is oral thrush.

Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is one of the most common childhood conditions. It is a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans, a fungus naturally present in our body with which we normally coexist in a stable balance. In infants and young children, however, this balance is harder to maintain. Their immune system and bacterial flora are not yet fully developed to control the multiplication of the fungus, which can therefore proliferate uncontrollably and cause infection.

Besides spontaneous onset, thrush can also be contracted in different ways – for example, during birth if the mother suffers from candidiasis, or during breastfeeding, whether at the breast or with a bottle. Candida is often found on the skin of healthy individuals and can pass to the baby’s mouth during feeding.

Artificial feeding also carries risks, since the baby does not receive the beneficial bacteria and nutrients found only in colostrum and breast milk, making them more vulnerable to infections.

Vaccinations and antibiotic therapies can temporarily weaken the immune system and intestinal microbiota, increasing susceptibility to thrush.

The symptoms of oral thrush are easily recognisable: the presence of white patches on the child’s tongue, palate, gums, and inner cheeks should immediately serve as a warning sign. Take care not to scrape them off: unlike common and harmless milk residues, oral thrush lesions can bleed and cause further irritation when removed.

Because of the discomfort, the child often becomes irritable and refuses to eat. In more severe cases, fever, cough, and gastrointestinal disorders may also occur.

Thrush is not a condition that should overly alarm parents, but it must be treated carefully. Candida can easily spread to other parts of the body, such as the digestive tract (especially the intestines) and the diaper area, causing frequent dermatitis.

Preventing oral thrush in children and infants is unfortunately not straightforward. We can certainly do our best to limit the risk factors associated with this infection — paying particular attention to our own hygiene, sterilising all objects that come into contact with our baby’s mouth, such as dummies and bottle teats, and washing our hands thoroughly after every nappy change — but this may not always be sufficient.

Niente paura, comunque: il mughetto nei neonati e nei bimbi non è solo comune, ma è anche curabile senza troppe difficoltà.

One of the most frequently used treatments is antifungal therapy under medical prescription. The paediatrician will be able to advise on the most appropriate medication, and with a little care, a few days will generally be sufficient to resolve the issue.

Antifungals are not the only solution. Other products and measures can speed up recovery. In infants, under medical supervision, probiotics may be recommended to strengthen the immune system and bacterial flora. This should always be combined with proper hygiene for both the child and the objects and people they come into contact with.

If the child has already been weaned, paying the right attention to diet can also help overcome oral thrush. Candida has a “sweet tooth”, and reducing sugar intake through a healthy diet can help bring the microorganism back under control, weakening it and speeding up recovery. Limiting sugars does not only mean eliminating sweets and confectionery, but also keeping a check on quantities of overly sugary fruits, such as grapes and bananas, and sources of carbohydrates (rice, potatoes, bread, and pasta).

Significant help in treating oral thrush in children and infants comes from Cariex®. Designed to prevent the onset of cavities and dental erosion, this dental spray acts on oral pH and actively combats the harmful microorganisms that can compromise oral wellbeing. For this very reason, Cariex® helps create an environment unfavourable to the proliferation of Candida, making the treatment of oral thrush faster and alleviating the discomfort that young children may experience.

Cariex® is a medical device indicated for use in young children, as it is based on natural components. Its active ingredients (bicarbonate, xylitol, and hyaluronic acid) are formulated to adhere to the oral mucosa and provide immediate relief to the child. Furthermore, its spray formulation makes it easy to administer: no fuss over swallowing a tablet or a bad-tasting syrup. Simply spray onto the oral mucosa for rapid relief — and within a few days, oral thrush will be a thing of the past.

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.