Even a healthy mouth is lined with bacteria. Your daily oral hygiene routine helps prevent oral health complications, but sometimes an excess of bacteria and fungi can lead to problems like oral thrush. At Evolve Dentistry, your trusted dentist in Westmont, we want to ensure you know what oral thrush is and how to prevent it.
What is Oral Thrush?
Oral thrush is caused by a collection of the fungus Candida in your mouth. While bacteria and fungi occur naturally in your mouth, it’s crucial to prevent their buildup. Thrush can appear as white, thick scrapes on your tongue or inner cheek and may also look like patchy, white sores.
Who is Affected?
Young children, infants, and the elderly are at a higher risk of developing oral thrush. If you have a weakened immune system or diabetes, it’s even more important to stay vigilant about your oral health to prevent issues like thrush. Smokers also tend to develop oral thrush more than other patients.
What Are the Symptoms?
Oral thrush can lead to trouble swallowing and tasting and can become painful as it develops. Affected areas may feel like they are burning, and slight bleeding can occur if you scrape your tongue or cheeks. Some describe the sensation as having cotton in their mouth.
Thrush can also spread. If you have a weakened immune system, it’s possible for thrush to move into your lungs, digestive tract, and even your heart.
How Can I Prevent It?
The best way to prevent oral thrush is with a vigilant daily oral hygiene routine that includes thorough brushing and flossing of your teeth, as well as your tongue. We often recommend using a tongue scraper to keep your tongue clean. Just like your teeth, your tongue needs daily cleaning to stay healthy and free of germs and bacteria.
The American Dental Association suggests that for some patients, using an antimicrobial toothpaste or mouthwash might be helpful. Check with our dentist in Westmont to see which solutions might be best for you.
The Importance of Regular Dental Exams
We cannot overstate the importance of regularly scheduled dental exams. If you are diabetic, it’s even more crucial to schedule regular visits to our office. By having your mouth checked by our staff, we can work with you to prevent oral health issues like thrush.
For more tips on keeping your mouth healthy or to schedule your next visit, please contact Evolve Dentistry. Our dedicated team is here to help you maintain optimal oral health.
