Thrush, caused by the yeast Candida, is an infection that can occur on the tongue and inside the mouth. Weakened immune systems, dry mouth, poor dental hygiene, pregnancy, and antibiotic use can all be causes. Thrush can spread from person to person.
Thrush, an infection that occurs on the tongue and inside the mouth, is caused by the yeast Candida. When Candida is present inside the mouth in small numbers, it doesn’t cause any problems, but if it grows beyond those small numbers, it can attack the surrounding mucous membranes and cause an infection. Those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of infection. The most common form of yeast that causes thrush is Candida albicans, but other causes of thrush can include Candida Tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida krusei.
Thrush can be found in the mouths of people of any age, although it is more common in children. It is usually diagnosed by telltale patches of white on the tongue and in the mouth. Usually, the natural bacteria inside the mouth controls the growth of the yeast, but sometimes new bacteria are introduced into the mouth that push the yeast that causes thrush into an overgrowth.
The causes of thrush can vary depending on a person’s overall health. For example, one cause of thrush is an inability to ward off an infection. Most people with strong immune systems are able to prevent the yeast that causes thrush from growing too quickly. If the immune system is weak, the yeast can grow too fast and cause thrush. As a result, babies, who have undeveloped immune systems, are typically more likely to be diagnosed with thrush.
There are other causes of thrush as well. For example, a person with a dry mouth may be more prone to the condition under certain circumstances. In particular, if the person uses alcohol-based mouthwashes too frequently, it can cause dry mouth or a bacterial imbalance inside the mouth, which can allow the yeast to overgrow.
Pregnancy, poor dental hygiene, and antibiotic use are also causes of thrush. Each factor can create an imbalance of microorganisms inside the mouth. The imbalance leads to an excess of yeast, which can result in a thrush infection.
Thrush can spread from person to person. A baby can become infected during birth, particularly if a vaginal yeast infection was present at the time the baby passed through the birth canal. A baby with a weak immune system can become infected if he shares toys, pacifiers or bottle nipples with another baby who is infected with thrush. Also, an adult wearing dentures can spread the infection if they handle their dentures and then handle another object, such as cutlery, that others place in their mouths. As a result, the causes of thrush can vary depending on the circumstance, although the yeast itself must always be present for the infection to start.
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