Doctors are drawing attention to oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, a common fungal infection that produces thick, white, cottage-cheese-like patches inside the mouth. According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition develops when the yeast Candida albicans, which normally lives harmlessly in small amounts in the mouth, multiplies out of control.
This overgrowth typically happens when something throws off the body’s natural balance of bacteria and immune defenses. Infants are especially vulnerable because their oral flora hasn’t fully matured yet, while older adults and people with weakened immune systems—including those living with HIV or undergoing cancer treatment—also face higher risk. Another major trigger is the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics: these drugs wipe out not just harmful bacteria but also the beneficial bacteria that normally keep Candida levels in check, allowing the fungus to take over.
The infection can appear on the tongue, the inside of the cheeks, and sometimes the gums or throat, occasionally causing discomfort or a cottony feeling in the mouth. While it’s usually treatable with antifungal medication, experts stress the importance of identifying the underlying cause, since recurring thrush can sometimes signal a more serious health issue.
Curious about the full range of causes, symptoms, and treatment options? Check out the original article for more details.
Source: <![CDATA[Algodoncillo o candidiasis bucal: ¿qué hacer ante las manchas blancas?]]> (RSS::excelsior.com.mx – Portada).
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