Candida Overgrowth and Oral Thrush

Your body is a delicate balance of systems and processes, of pH and blood gases, and a continuously working defense system that works to keep “good” and “bad” germ in balance – and to keep you healthy. But, what happens when there is a shift and “bad” microbes start to reproduce? One thing that can happen is that you get sick with a viral or bacterial infection. Another thing that can happen is that you get oral thrush. We see oral thrush at Millennium Smiles in Frisco, Texas, in patients of all ages from the very young to seniors. It’s not something to panic about, but it is something that is a telltale sign to listen to your body – and your dentist – more.

What Is Thrush?

Thrush is a condition caused by the accumulation of a fungus known as Candida albicans. Thrush causes lesions to develop in the mouth, usually on the tongue or inner cheeks.

These lesions are often white, can be painful, and may even bleed. Oral thrush can spread from the tongue or inner cheeks to the gums and roof of the mouth, the tonsils, and the throat.

Who Gets Oral Thrush?

Oral thrush usually affects those individuals who have compromised or weakened immune systems, individuals who use corticosteroid inhalers for pulmonary conditions, individuals undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments, smokers, those individuals living with chronic dry mouth, and in nursing infants.

But, oral thrush can also be caused by unregulated blood sugar (caused by diabetes) and a high sugar diet. Sugar feeds candida, making it flourish in your mouth. It can also proliferate in your intestines, a condition known as leaky gut syndrome.

An abundance of sugar and high levels of candida trigger your body’s inflammatory response – which means increased levels of inflammation, an increase in the chance of developing an autoimmune disease, and pain.

Can You Get Rid of Candida?

Yes, you can. First, we suggest talking to Dr. Korous to determine if you have the condition. Some treatments include prescription anti-fungal medications and rinsing with baking soda water a few times a day.

But, the most significant impact on candida you can make is not feeding it sugar. Here’s what we suggest

Limit carbs. The sugar from carbs (processed or unprocessed) can cause candida to flourish.
Reduce or eliminate sugar intake. Check every label and ingredient list of sugar. Familiarize yourself with other names for sugar like dextrose, sucrose, and fructose. These sugars can increase candida in your body.
Avoid fermented products. Fermented products like some cheeses, beer, wine, and vinegar can make your thrush worse.
Skip dairy. Dairy has natural sugar called lactose that can also contribute to candida growth.

We also suggest that you talk to Dr. Korous about your oral thrush and how to reduce it. Give Millennium Smiles in Frisco, Texas, a call today at 972-468-8771.