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Oral candidiasis - Oral thrush

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Infection of the mucosa of the mouth produced by a fungus called Candida albicans.

The most common causes of fungal growth include: antibiotic treatment that destroys bacterial flora, alteration of the immune system and/or ill-fitting dentures.

It manifests as a thick whitish coating that covers the tongue, and sometimes also the palate and inner cheeks. It has a cottony, compact appearance, like yoghurt or cut milk.

Diagnosis is usually made on clinical suspicion and by inspection of the mouth. 

Treatment is based on antifungal drugs in gel, oral cream and/or tablet form.

It is usually a banal condition that improves rapidly with appropriate treatment.

Bibliographic references
  1. Pappas PG, Kauffman CA, Andes DR, et al. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Candidiasis: 2016 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis 2016; 62:e1.
  2. Klotz SA. Oropharyngeal candidiasis: a new treatment option. Clin Infect Dis 2006; 42:1187.
  3. Vazquez JA, Patton LL, Epstein JB, et al. Randomized, comparative, double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter trial of miconazole buccal tablet and clotrimazole troches for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis: study of miconazole Lauriad® efficacy and safety (SMiLES). HIV Clin Trials 2010; 11:186.
  4. Iacopino AM, Wathen WF. Oral candidal infection and denture stomatitis: a comprehensive review. J Am Dent Assoc 1992; 123:46.
  5. Sharon V, Fazel N. Oral candidiasis and angular cheilitis. Dermatol Ther 2010; 23:230.
Author
Dr. Maria Trabazo
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    White cottony patch on the lining of the mouth and/or tongue

    Pain when swallowing

    Bleeding when scraping the white coating of the tongue

    Altered sense of taste

    Loss of sense of taste

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever (temperature higher than 38 ºC)
History of immunodeficiency (HIV, diabetes mellitus, oncological disorders, long-term corticosteroid consumption).

Self-care

Improve buccal hygiene.
Disinfect dentures.
Rinse your mouth with half a teaspoon of salt and a cup of warm water.
Check with your general practitioner on a topical or oral antifungal treatment.
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