Tongue Yeast Infection

A tongue yeast infection is caused by the fungus Candida albicans, which is a normal inhabitant of gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. Overgrowth of candida leads to candidiasis. This condition is characterized by the appearance of white patches on the surface of the tongue. It is also called thrush and can occur in the mouth, throat, and tongue.

Candida requires warm and moist areas to survive. The yeast fungus multiplies very fast and there can be several reasons for its overgrowth. Oral candidiasis or oral thrush can be due to several factors, such as overuse of antibiotics, steroids, cancer medications, and asthma medications.

These factors contribute to the overgrowth of candida. People affected by HIV are more prone to systemic candidiasis.

Oral thrush can cause creamy white lesions on the tongue, mouth, throat, and inner cheeks. It is difficult to brush the teeth during the infection. One is likely to experience pain while eating as well as drinking. One would feel a different type of taste sensation.

Swallowing the food would be a difficulty and one may experience fever and the infection may spread to the esophagus. Another type of yeast infection in mouth includes erythematous infection. The symptoms are red scaly speckles in the mouth and the palate. Some places on the tongue and palate may show red bumps and mucosal patches.

Drink plenty of water as water flushes out the toxins present in the body. Follow an anti-candida diet, to keep the candida at bay. Exclude processed carbohydrates foods, sugar, starchy foods, alcohol, and white flour from the diet.

Probiotic supplements containing lactobacillus acidophilus and vitamins are to be incorporated in one's food habits along with the anti-candida diet. Medicated lozenges can be taken three to five times in a day.

These help in soothing the throat. Antifungals such as candicidin, nystatin, amphotericin B, aid to fight against this infection. However, one should seek advice of the doctor before taking any medication. Nystatin has antiseptic and antifungal properties and it is obtained from the microorganism Streptomyces noursei.

Ketoconazole, an antifungal, changes the course of action of candida and helps in subsiding the spread of the infection. If one is affected by acute oral infection, then Amphotericin B is prescribed. One may take capricin tea or grape fruit seed extract to alleviate the symptoms.

Here are some ways to prevent such an infection.

• Frequent use of mouthwash and oral solutions can change the normal microflora count. So, avoid using these products.

• Stop taking foods that contain yeast such as bread, yogurt, beer, and so on, during the infection. Do not take spicy and salty foods, as these foods may aggravate the problem.
• It is essential that one brushes their teeth, at least two times in a day. Sterilize the toothbrush with 70% alcohol solution to keep away contamination.

• One should quit smoking and visit the dentist to clean his/her dentures, if wearing the same.

Eating the right foods and in right proportions is the best way to keep these infections away. Eat low-starchy foods and green vegetables that contain fibers. If one is affected by this infection, he/she should consult with the medical practitioner so that a proper treatment plan can be mapped out, depending upon the affected person's symptoms and lifestyle.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.