Oral thrush- causes and management

Dental
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A condition that goes unnoticed in some situations, capable of causing major neurological complications as well..
what are the causative organisms and how do we manage?

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Disorder like tuberculos meningitis
Causative agent like myobacterium TB

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Causes:

  • Immunosuppression (HIV, steroids, cancer)
  • Candida albicans overgrowth (most common)
  • Diabetes mellitus or dry mouth conditions

Management:

  • Topical antifungals like nystatin or clotrimazole
  • Oral fluconazole for severe or recurrent cases
  • Improve hygiene
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Oral thrush is mainly caused by Candida albicans.
Management includes antifungals like nystatin or fluconazole, maintaining oral hygiene, controlling diabetes, and addressing immunosuppression to prevent complications.

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Oral thrush is a yeast infection by Candida albicans mostly in babies or older adults with weakened immune systems. generally it is not dangerous and topical antifungal agents can treat it.. but in those with compromised immunity like HIV, uncontrolled diabetes, the infection may become systemic and spread to oesophagus and other parts of body to create more problems.

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Causes:
Immune suppression (HIV, chemotherapy, diabetes)
Antibiotic or corticosteroid use
Poor oral hygiene, dentures Infants, elderly, smokers

Why It Can Be Dangerous:
Often mild and overlooked
Can spread in immunocompromised patients causing systemic candidiasis
Rarely leads to neurological complications like fungal meningitis or brain abscesses

Management:
Maintain good oral hygiene and treat underlying conditions
Topical antifungals (nystatin, clotrimazole) for mild cases
Systemic antifungals (fluconazole) if severe or spreading
Proper denture care and avoiding irritants