Mouth fungi are a natural saprophyte of the oral flora. Occasionally, due to systemic or oral imbalances there may be an overgrowth of the normal population of certain fungi in the mouth. The most prevalent fungal infection is Candida albicans, better known as candidiasis.
What are the symptoms of candidiasis?
There are different clinical presentations of candidiasis:
- Pseudomembranous candidiasis: it manifests with a white film on the tongue, palate and oral mucosa (inner face of the cheeks and lips) that comes off very easily when brushing. Generally, it does not cause discomfort, although sometimes it may sting. It does not appear frequently in adults, although when it does it is very important to carry out a proper diagnosis and etiological study (study of the causes), since it is often secondary to other processes such as: dry mouth, poorly fitting dentures, vitamin deficiencies, immune system alterations, etc.
- Erythematous candidiasis: it manifests with red spots on the tongue and palate, and usually causes discomfort, generally itching. It is characteristic that it appears after taking antibiotics, although it may be due to other factors such as poorly fitting dentures.
Unfortunately, there is an overdiagnosis of oral candidiasis by different health professionals. Any discomfort, white or red spot in the oral cavity is often misclassified as a fungal infection. There are many other diseases that have a similar clinical presentation and that it is important to rule out, as some of them may be transcendent.
How to treat candidiasis?
Candidiasis is usually solved with antifungals, but it is very important to know why they have occurred, because if the underlying problem is not solved, it will reappear.