Yeast in the mouth
Definition - What is yeast in the mouth?
In almost all cases, yeast in the mouth is the Candida albicans yeast. Even in normal cases, the yeast fungus can be found in a certain concentration in the mouth. The excessive colonization of the oral mucosa, also called candidiasis, is a complication. In addition to the oral mucosa, other mucous membranes, such as the intestinal or vaginal mucosa, can also be affected in candidiasis.
The candidiasis are to be viewed as opportunistic diseases. By definition, they only occur when the body's defenses are weakened so that the fungus can spread.
At this point it is recommended that you first obtain general information on the subject of candidiasis. To do this, read:
- What is candidiasis?
- What is behind a yeast infection?
Causes of yeast in the mouth
Up to 25% of the population are carriers of a Candida albicans yeast in the body. Normally, this is kept in check by the body's own bacteria and the body's immune system, so that it cannot spread and does not cause symptoms or problems.
A protracted use of antibiotics, however, can lead to the killing of the body's own "good" bacteria in addition to the bacteria that cause the disease, which means that the yeast can now spread and attack the oral mucosa, for example.
Immunosuppressive therapy that requires patients to take cortisone supplements can also cause a fungal infection to flare up. Cortisone suppresses the body's immune system so that it is unable to act against the fungal attack.
It goes without saying that people with a congenital immunodeficiency are also at great risk of developing candidiasis, as their immune system has not been fully developed since birth or is defective.
Immunosuppressants have other serious consequences based on the suppression of the immune system. Find out more about this at: Effects and consequences of immunosuppressants
What symptoms can I tell if I have yeast in my mouth?
The discovery of a fungal infection of the oral mucosa is often an incidental finding that is noticed either by the parents, the partner or the dentist.
The classic symptoms include pain in the oral mucosa, which only occurs in around 50% of those affected. In some cases, however, they can become so strong that drinking and eating stop. The other 50%, however, are completely symptom-free.
As already mentioned above, when looking at the oral cavity, grayish-whitish to yellowish, mostly punctiform deposits can be seen, which can be distributed throughout the mouth area. They cannot be removed with a cotton swab, but usually have to be pulled off.
The fungal infection is usually preceded by antibiotic treatment or the use of agents that suppress the immune system.
However, the presence of diabetes can also be a possible reason why patients become infected with a yeast.
In order to be able to recognize the fungal infection in the mouth with the naked eye, it is important to deal with the subject of "oral thrush". Further important information can be found at: What's behind an oral thrush?
Duration of yeast infection in the mouth
As with all diseases, the duration of the disease depends on the immune status of the patient. The faster the immune system gets the fungal attack under control, the faster the disease will be over. Another factor that should not be underestimated is whether and how regularly the antimycotic is used in the oral cavity.
It is estimated that the yeast infestation of the mouth should end after 1-2 weeks.
Diagnosis of yeast in the mouth
The diagnosis of a fungal infection of the oral mucosa is primarily a visual diagnosis. The patient presents with whitish dots about 3 to 5 millimeters in diameter, which are, however, relatively flat. The doctor speaks of so-called pseudomembranous coatings on the oral mucosa.
After a smear has been taken, the material can be sent to a microbiological laboratory, where it is grown and examined for drug reactions. The smear material can also be viewed directly under a microscope.
In addition, a Candida albicans-specific antigen can be detected in the blood.
How contagious are yeasts in the mouth?
In most cases, a fungal infection is contagious, but in most cases - even if it is transmitted - it does not lead to the development of candidiasis or an infection of the oral mucosa in the newly infected person.
A prerequisite for this would also be immunosuppression in this person, so that the fungal attack could establish itself.
What does yeast transmission depend on? You can find out more about this topic in the following article: How contagious are yeasts?
Treatment of yeast in the mouth
The treatment of the yeast depends on the spread or immune status of the patient.
In children with an intact immune system, candidiasis often heals spontaneously without the need for medication.
In other cases, locally effective antimycotics are used that are specifically aimed against fungal diseases. These are available either in the form of lozenges or liquids that are then used to treat the lining of the mouth.
In rare cases, however, the yeast affects more than just the oral mucosa and can, for example, also establish itself in the lungs, liver or even the heart. In such cases, treatment is carried out with a centrally acting antimycotic that is introduced into the body through a venous access.
Furthermore, strict hand hygiene should be observed. If children hold their mouths in the colonized area, their hands must be washed thoroughly with soap to prevent further transmission.
What forms of antifungal drugs are there? Everything you should know about this topic can be found at:
- Everything you need to know about antifungal drugs
- Anti-fungal medication
What drugs help against yeasts in the mouth?
As mentioned above, antimycotics are used. These follow the same principle as an antibiotic; however, are only directed against fungi.
By default, the doctor prescribes Nystatin or Amphotericin. Both preparations are a suspension that is used to rinse the mouth vigorously to moisten every corner with the drug.
But also an oral gel with the active ingredient Miconazole is available in stores. The gel is applied to the affected areas and left there for a few minutes.
What home remedies can help against yeast in the mouth?
Most helpful home remedies come in the form of spices. It should be anticipated, however, that an antifungal agent treats the disease much more effectively and significantly shortens the duration of the disease.
Common home remedies include garlic, which is said to have a disinfectant effect.
Cinnamon is said to have an anti-bacterial as well as an anti-fungal effect.
Rinsing the mouth with apple cider vinegar is also recommended. The reason for this is the shift in the pH of the mouth to an acidic range, in which the yeast cannot multiply as well.