What is Thrush and How to Treat It

Causes

Oral thrush is a result of a candida overgrowth in the mouth. Candida albicans is a type of candida that naturally occurs in the human body and is needed by the body. Candida causes a problem when the immune system is weakened and does not manage to keep its advance under control. When candida multiplies excessively, it turns into an infection.

The oral thrush can be a result of a weakened system as a result of medication intake that eliminates the good bacteria in the organism. Good bacteria in the body are responsible for counteracting the numbers of harmful bacteria. Cancer therapies, like chemotherapy, can also adversely affect good cells in the body and make one more susceptible to different kinds of infections.

Besides HIV and leukemia, diabetes is a disease that can suppress the immune system and lead to thrush. If the diabetes is not under control, the excess sugar in the saliva can become the perfect breeding ground for fungi like candida.

Babies can take on the oral thrush from birth although it is uncommon. Candida which causes the oral thrush is also the reason for a vaginal yeast infection. During delivery through the birth canal, the baby can pick up the candida infection.