Oral Thrush
What is Oral Thrush?
Oral thrush is an infection in the mouth and/or the upper part of the throat (called the “pharynx”) caused by yeast. People have a number of different yeasts that live on the skin and in different parts of their bodies, and when their immune systems go out of balance due to illness or due to the medications they take, it can cause oral thrush. Oral thrush can have a negative effect on a person’s quality of life, causing painful spots in the mouth that can make it difficult to eat, swallow, or talk. When a person experiences the signs and symptoms of oral thrush, it is important that they speak with a physician to get the right treatment.
Oral Thrush Causes, Signs, & Symptoms
Causes of Oral Thrush
Oral thrush can be caused by a number of factors, including certain medicines that are usually taken to treat cancer; medicines that are taken to treat infections; a cut or a lesion in the mouth that allows the fungus to multiply; reduced production of saliva; poorly fitting dentures; and poor oral hygiene.1
Oral thrush is caused by candida and does not develop into a fungal infection under normal circumstances because a healthy person’s immune system prevents Candida overgrowth. However, when a person becomes sick and starts to take certain medicines, Candida has a chance to thrive and overgrow. If you feel you may have oral thrush, it is important to consult your physician or dentist and start treatment as soon as possible.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Thrush
Photography courtesy of Sol Silverman, Jr., D.D.S. and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The most common symptom of oral thrush is white patches on the tongue and other surfaces of the mouth. People who have oral thrush can experience other symptoms, such as pain, burning, dry mouth, pain when swallowing, soreness, and a change in the way things taste.2,3
Symptoms experienced by patients with oral thrush can lead to more widespread problems. Pain while eating, drinking, or swallowing can lead to a reduction in food consumption, which can lead to unintended weight loss and other health problems. If left untreated, oral thrush can become more serious and can affect a person’s entire body.2,3,4
What to Expect if Oral Thrush Develops
Your doctor can diagnose oral thrush by examining your mouth. The doctor will look for distinctive white patches in your mouth, or on your tongue or cheeks. Lightly brushing the patches away reveals a reddened, tender area that may bleed slightly.1
Oral thrush infections must be treated with prescription medication. The type and duration of treatment depends on how bad the infection is and things such as the patient’s age and how healthy their immune system is. If oral thrush is not treated, it can lead to a more serious illness.
1. Epstein JB. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2007;21(2):503-522, v11.
2. Coogan M, et al. Bull World Health Organ. 2005;83(9):700-706.
3. Worthington HV, Clarkson JE. J Dent Educ 2002;66(8):903-911.
4. Appleton SS. J Calif Dent Assoc. 2000;28(12):942-948.
Tips for Dealing with Oral Thrush
As with any other medical condition, only your healthcare provider can properly diagnose and treat oral thrush. These tips are not intended to provide medical advice, so be sure to talk to your healthcare professional about your symptoms and ask if Oravig® is right for you.
- Take any anti-fungal medication you’re prescribed exactly as your dentist or doctor tells you to.
- Don’t smoke. If you do, seek a program to help you quit smoking.
- Good oral hygiene practices are important, such as brushing your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily.
- People who use inhaled corticosteroids may be able to reduce the risk of developing thrush by washing out the mouth with water after using an inhaler.
- If you have an underlying medical condition associated with oral thrush, such as diabetes or compromised immune system, do your best to keep it under control.
- If you wear dentures, it is important they are kept clean, fit properly and taken out prior to going to bed.
- Avoid hot and spicy foods and drinks as they can irritate and prolong the healing process.
- Maintain good blood sugar control if you have diabetes.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol; both can increase dryness.
- Keep your mouth moisturized with water or saliva substitute, as a dry mouth provides opportunity for oral thrush to grow.
Important Safety Information for Oravig® (Miconazole)
Indication
- Oravig® is indicated for the local treatment of oral thrush in adults.
Important Safety Information
Read the Patient Information that comes with Oravig® before you start taking it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This brochure does not take the place of talking with your doctor or about your medical condition or your treatment.
Do not use Oravig® if you:
- are allergic to miconazole (M-Zole, Monistat, Vusion).
- are allergic to milk protein concentrate.
- are allergic to any of the ingredients in Oravig®. See Prescribing Information for a complete list of ingredients in Oravig®.
Before taking Oravig®, tell your doctor if you:
- have liver problems.
- have any other medical conditions.
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Oravig® will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
- are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. It is not known if Oravig® passes into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you use Oravig®.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Oravig® may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how Oravig® works.
Especially tell your doctor if you take:
- a diabetes medicine.
- phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek).
- an ergot medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure if your medicine is an ergot medicine.
- the blood thinner medicine warfarin sodium (Coumadin, Jantoven).
Allergic reactions. Tell your doctor or get emergency medical help right away if you have any of the symptoms below:
- skin rash or hives.
- swelling of your face, eyes, lips, tongue or throat.
- trouble swallowing or breathing.
The most common side effects of Oravig® include diarrhea, change in taste, headache, upper stomach (abdominal) pain, nausea and vomiting. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Oravig®. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Healthcare professionals and patients should report any adverse events associated with Tolectin to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
For additional information about Oravig®, please refer to the Full Prescribing Info.