- Symptoms of thrush of the tongue and mouth in adults
These are the most important symptoms of tongue and mouth fungus expected to appear in adults:
Dryness and cracks in the corners of the mouth.
A strange and unpleasant taste in the mouth, or a temporary loss of the sense of taste.
Inability to feel the taste of food and drink well.
Difficulty eating and drinking fluids, especially swallowing difficulties.
Pain and burning in the tongue, or pain in other parts of the mouth.
The appearance of white or yellow spots with small grains on the tongue or in other areas of the mouth, and bleeding slightly if these grains are rubbed or scraped.
- Symptoms of tongue and mouth fungus in children and infants
In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, symptoms of thrush of the tongue and mouth in children may also include the following:
The infant’s reluctance to breastfeed.
Diaper rash in an infant.
It is worth mentioning here that fungi of the tongue and mouth may be transmitted to infants through breast milk if the mother is infected, and if this is the reason for the infant’s infection already, the nursing mother may notice the appearance of rashes and fungi on the nipples and unusual pain in the nipples when breastfeeding.
- Symptoms of tongue and mouth fungus in special cases
In the event that fungus appears in the tongue and mouth as a result of cancer or an autoimmune disease, especially AIDS, the infection with these fungi may extend to the esophagus.
Causes of fungus of the tongue and mouth
The fungus that causes this disease is usually present in the mouth and digestive system naturally, but it may develop, multiply and exceed the limit, causing a problem and disease in some special cases.
These are the most important factors that may increase the chances of infection with tongue and mouth fungus:
Using orthodontic tools, and not maintaining oral health properly during that period.
pregnancy.
Use of certain types of medications, such as: steroids, chemotherapy or radiation, cortisone, contraceptives, and antibiotics.
Smoking and stress.
Excessive use of mouthwash.
Immune system problems and diseases.
Having certain health problems and diseases, such as: diabetes, dry mouth, and cancer.
Undergoing an organ transplant.
Subjecting to a poor diet that causes problems, such as: malnutrition.
Treatment of fungus of the tongue and mouth
Treating thrush of the tongue and mouth is generally easy in healthy adults and children, but treating these problems in people with diseases and problems with the immune system in general can be difficult.
Usually, the doctor prescribes antifungal medications in which the patient adheres to a period ranging between 10-14 days, and these medications may be tablets, capsules, or even liquid medications.
In the event that the fungus of the tongue and mouth is caused by something related to other diseases, it must be ensured that the patient receives the necessary medical care for his recovery or to keep his condition under control.
Is fungus tongue and mouth contagious?
In general, fungi of the tongue and mouth are not contagious, but if an infected mother breastfeeds her baby, this fungus may be transmitted to the infant through breast milk.
In uncommon cases, kissing can contribute to the transmission of this type of fungus.
Ways to prevent infection of the tongue and mouth fungus
It is possible to prevent infection of the tongue and mouth fungus in general by following the following rules and instructions:
Maintaining oral and dental hygiene, using regular floss and mouthwash, and visiting the dentist regularly.
Keep diseases that may raise the chances of infection under control, especially when it comes to diabetes and cancer.
Do not overuse mouthwashes and mouth sprays.
Reducing the intake of foods that naturally contain sugars and yeasts.
Quit Smoking.
Clean mouthpieces and inhalation aids thoroughly after using them on a regular basis.
