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One common cause of mouth infections is an overgrowth of yeast. Like many forms of skin fungus, knowing yeast infection symptoms can help you identify and understand what is happening in your body.
From Normal Fungus to Infection
Small amounts of fungus normally exist in your digestive tract and mouth and help your immune system. When, for different reasons, your body and immune system become out of balance, too much fungus can grow. This fungus is called Candida albicans and can grow beyond what the body can manage.
An infection of the mouth caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans is commonly called oral thrush. This type of yeast infection is usually found in infants and breast-feeding mothers. Infants can pass the oral infection along their mothers during nursing. Oral thrush is not otherwise considered to be highly contagious.
Symptoms of a Mouth Infection
Symptoms of yeast infection associated with oral can vary and you should see your doctor for a thorough evaluation. Common symptoms include:
- white and/or yellowish lesions on the mouth and throat
- lesions on the tongue
- lesions on the roof of the mouth
- lesions on the inner cheeks, gums, and tonsils
- tiny cracks or cuts at the corner of the mouth
- pain or trouble swallowing
- feeling of food being stuck in the throat or middle of chest
- fever
These yeast infection symptoms can be painful and cause a good deal of discomfort, especially to an infant. If the infection spreads to other areas of the body, like the esophagus, a fever is more likely.
Yeast infections of the mouth are one form of fungal overgrowth of Candida albicans. Candida symptoms vary depending on the location of the infection on the body.
Prevention and Treatment of Oral Thrush
Eating unsweetened yogurt on a regular basis can help the balance the “good and bad” bacteria in your body. Maintaining good dental hygiene can also prevent infections: brush and floss daily and see your dentist for regular cleanings. Avoiding yeasty foods such as breads and beer can also prevent oral thrush from infecting your mouth.
Children with mild cases of oral thrush are sometimes left untreated and the condition clears up on its own. If the mouth infection is persistent, an antifungal medication can be prescribed by a doctor. Nursing mothers who are likely to pass the infection back and forth with an infant will likely have both of them treated with antifungal medication.
Information provided in this web site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or otherwise replace the services of a trained medical professional.
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Mouth Infections 
