Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is an infection caused by a fungus called Candida.

Oral thrush in adults is not contagious and its symptoms are mainly redness and white patches inside the mouth. Other symptoms include the following:

♦ cracks at the corners of the mouth

♦ not tasting things properly

♦ an unpleasant taste in the mouth

♦ pain inside the mouth (for example, a sore tongue or sore gums)

♦ difficulty eating and drinking

There are factors that increase the risk of having oral thrush, which inlude:

♦ taking antibiotics over a long time

♦ using asthma inhalers

♦ having cancer treatment like chemotherapy

♦ having uncontrolled diabetes

There are measures, which can be taken to minimise the risk of having oral thrush, which include:

♦ taking care of your teeth: brush twice a day, cleaning your dentures, and going for regular check-ups even if you have dentures

♦ brushing your gums and tongue with a soft toothbrush if you do not have any teeth

♦ rinsing your mouth after eating or taking medicine

♦ going to regular check-ups if you have a long-term condition like diabetes