[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ text_font=”museojhsans-300-woff||||||||” text_text_color=”#444444″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#f2b858″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The term \u201cthrush\u201d refers to oral candidiasis, a type of stomatitis caused by Candida albicans.<\/strong><\/p>\n Candida albicans is a fungus normally present in the human body<\/strong> in a latent form and usually does not cause any symptoms. However, under certain conditions that disrupt the body\u2019s natural balance, the environment in which it lives can change. In the case of oral thrush, an acidic environment (acidosis) in the mouth<\/strong> promotes the overgrowth of Candida albicans, turning it from a harmless commensal organism into an aggressive pathogen. <\/p>\n Symptomatic candidiasis can affect different areas of the body, including the mouth (thrush), the vaginal area, the intestines, and the skin.<\/p>\n Oral thrush is particularly common in newborns<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n Of course, oral candidiasis can also occur in adults whenever the immune system is weakened<\/strong> – 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.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Signs of Thrush” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”museojhslab-700-woff||||||||” title_text_color=”#004687″ title_font_size=”25px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ text_font=”museojhsans-300-woff||||||||” text_text_color=”#444444″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#f2b858″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n If left untreated, the fungal overgrowth can spread<\/strong> to the uvula, tonsils, and in more severe cases, reach the esophagus and respiratory tract.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Thrush: Remedies” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”museojhslab-700-woff||||||||” title_text_color=”#004687″ title_font_size=”25px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ text_font=”museojhsans-300-woff||||||||” text_text_color=”#444444″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#f2b858″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n