Recognizing and Understanding Oral Thrush

It sometimes seems that childhood is mostly spent losing teeth, thumb-sucking, and trying to avoid cavities. We would like to believe that most other dental conditions are reserved for adults, but the truth is that a fungal infection such as oral thrush can occur at any age, from birth to the Golden Years. Identifying and understanding oral infections can be complicated without guidance from your Charlotte pediatric dentist.

This very common infection, sometimes referred to as candidiasis, occurs when there is an overgrowth of a fungus called candida albicans along the soft lining of the mouth. Thrush can appear as a white coating on the tongue and the insides of the cheeks. It can also spread to involve the gums and the roof of the mouth. It is common for the symptoms of thrush to appear suddenly, and you will notice that your child’s soft tissues appear red and irritated if the condition is not treated.

Your pediatric dentist may suggest various courses of treatment that are aimed at resetting the bacterial imbalance that is caused by the fungus. This may include offering your child yogurt or prescribing an antifungal medication. In some cases, the infection can go away on its own when your child is otherwise healthy.

Ultimately, the goal is to prevent thrush from occurring, spreading, or recurring. Try to ensure that your family’s oral hygiene routine is thorough and consistent. If your child is taking antibiotics for another infection, she may benefit from the live, active cultures found in yogurt. The Candida fungus is known to flourish and upset the body’s natural bacterial balance when a patient is being treated with antibiotics.

It is important to resist the urge to self-diagnose when it comes to infections and lesions inside your child’s mouth. Only your pediatric dentist in Charlotte can confirm the cause of the infection and provide the appropriate level of care and advice. Seeking professional care will also reduce the possibility that the infection will be mistaken for another health condition. To gather more information regarding oral thrush call to schedule an appointment today.