Oral candidiasis: signs, causes, and treatment

White plaques, redness, or a burning sensation in the oral mucosa may be signs of oral candidiasis, but similar changes can be caused by other conditions. A dentist or doctor will assess what caused them.

What is oral candidiasis?

Oral candidiasis is a fungal infection of the oral mucosa associated with an overgrowth of Candida fungi. These fungi can be present in the mouth without causing problems. Symptoms appear when the natural balance of the oral environment is disturbed or immunity is reduced.

Diagnosis cannot be made based solely on a white tongue. White patches or burning can also be caused by irritation, other infections, or mucosal diseases.

What symptoms can occur?

The oral mucosa may become red, white plaques or spots may appear. Some plaques, when wiped off, may leave a sensitive or sometimes bleeding surface. Altered taste, oral pain, cracking at the corners of the lips, or difficulty eating may also occur.

Lesions do not always look the same. Do not try to aggressively scrape sensitive mucosa.

What increases the risk of candidiasis?

Risk may increase with prolonged antibiotic use, use of certain inhalers, wearing removable dentures, dry mouth, diabetes, or weakened immune system. Candidiasis can also occur during oncological treatment.

These factors do not mean everyone will get the disease. Do not stop prescribed medications on your own; inform your doctor about oral changes.

How is the cause determined?

A specialist examines the mucosa, asks when changes appeared, what medications are used, if there is dryness, dentures, and other diseases. If necessary, they may recommend additional tests or consultation with another doctor.

A persistent white spot, especially if it cannot be wiped away, must be evaluated, because not all white changes are fungal in origin.

How is it treated and what to do at home?

If candidiasis is diagnosed, antifungal medications may be prescribed; their form and usage are selected individually. It is also important to assess dryness, denture fit, and other possible factors.

Brush your teeth and tongue gently, carefully maintain dentures according to specialist instructions. When using inhaled medications, consult the prescribing specialist about rinsing your mouth after use.

When to see a doctor?

Seek help if changes do not resolve, recur, interfere with eating, cause pain or difficulty swallowing, or if your immune system is weakened. For infants, it is also worth contacting their doctor. If swelling rapidly increases or breathing becomes difficult, call 112.