What are fungi in the mouth?
Mouth fungi are microorganisms that form in the oral cavity, because like foot fungus they require a warm, moist place on the body.
Mouth fungi can be found in:
- The tongue
- The walls of the mouth
- Gums
- The teeth
- Throat
Prognosis of the disease
This fungus affects both children and adults, although with proper care it is harmless in most cases. However, if not treated properly, it can cause infections or reproduce in other areas of the body.
The most common is the candida fungus, which affects weakened immune systems, spreading throughout the body and causing infection in:
- Brain: meningitis
- Esophagus: esophagitis
- Eyes: endophthalmitis
- Heart: endocarditis
- Joints: arthritis
Symptoms of fungus in the mouth
The main symptoms of mouth fungus are:
- Irritation
- Burning
- Excitability of pain on chewing
- Whitish mucous membranes on the tongue
- Alteration of taste
- Inflammation of the gums
- Fissures in the corners of the mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Bad breath
Medical tests for detection
The patient should see his or her physician in the following cases:
- Candidiasis-like mouth sores in the oral cavity
- Having pain or difficulty swallowing
- Having symptoms of oral thrush
- Receiving chemotherapy
- Taking medications to suppress the immune system
Mouth fungus is a microorganism that forms in the oral cavity.
What are the causes of mouth fungus?
The cause of infection of this disease may be due to different agents. The most common are:
- Deficit of defenses: infections in the oral cavity caused by the decrease of the immune defenses.
- Low saliva: low salivation affects the oral flora causing dry mouth.
- Poor diet: eating unhealthy foods encourages the growth of microorganisms such as fungi.
- Insufficient dental hygiene: can cause oral candidiasis.
- Hormonal alterations: such as pregnancy or menopause.
- Excessive medication: chronic consumption of drugs favors the spread of fungi.
- Use of removable dentures: can lead to the appearance of fungus.
- Diabetes: due to excess sugar
- Chemotherapy treatments
- Malnutrition and anemia
- AIDS or HIV
- Stress and emotional disorders
- Smoking
In short, any faxctor or situation that can affect these fungi or bacteria that can proliferate.
Can it be prevented?
Mouth fungus can be prevented in several ways. If you suffer from this condition frequently, your doctor may prescribe some antifungals. Also, a healthy lifestyle and diet can go a long way in preventing fungus.
What treatments are available?
To treat oral candidiasis and avoid the rebound effect, it is necessary to treat it within 3 weeks. Failure to do so can extend for much longer.
Treatments to combat this disease range from antifungal to topical medications. The former should be avoided by breastfeeding women, nursing babies and patients with allergies to these medications.
What specialist treats it?
If the patient notices any signs of fungus in the mouth, he/she should see a specialist in dentistry so that he/she can indicate the most appropriate treatment in his/her case.