Thrush: definition, symptoms, causes, and treatment

Definition

What is thrush?

Thrush (aphthous stomatitis) aka thrush is a small, superficial sore or sore in the oral cavity.

The sores usually appear on the soft tissues in the mouth, such as the inner lips, inner cheeks, palate, tongue, and gums. The appearance of canker sores can be only once or once and spread in the oral cavity.

Thrush is divided into two types, namely:

• Simple thrush: Small in size and can heal in a span of one to two weeks.
• Complex thrush: Larger and deeper in size. The shape is irregular and feels more painful so that the healing time is longer.

Thrush can go away on its own. However, leaving the mouth sore can make you uncomfortable because it is difficult to eat and talk.

To quote the Mayo Clinic, aphthous stomatitis is the most common type of thrush. This type of thrush is not contagious.

But in addition, there are also types of canker sores that are contagious, namely herpes stomatitis. Herpes stomatitis is also known as cold sores or cold sore.

The most typical symptom of this type of thrush is the appearance of blisters or sores filled with fluid that can burst when scratched. Canker sores due to oral herpes often appear under the nose, on the corners of the lips, or under the chin.

Herpes sores that appear in the mouth also cause pain that makes you lazy to eat or just talk.

How common is this condition?

Thrush is one of the most common mouth and gum problems. Almost everyone has experienced it at least once a year.

Guam can be experienced by anyone regardless of age and gender. However, women may be more prone to developing thrush due to hormonal changes leading up to monthly menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.

Canker sores can disappear in a matter of days or at most about two weeks. You can prevent this condition by avoiding the existing risk factors.

Please consult a doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of thrush?

Oral thrush symptoms (aphthous stomatitis) the most common are round or oval wounds. The center of the wound is usually whitish or yellowish in color with a reddish edge.

It can appear anywhere. Whether it's under the tongue, inside the cheeks or lips, at the base of the gums or on the roof of the mouth.

In addition, thrush can also cause a sensation of pain, tingling, or burning sensation in the affected area. These symptoms usually appear within 1-2 days before the thrush actually appears.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

See a doctor immediately if you experience the following conditions:

• Mouth sores are unusual and they are so large
• The sores in the mouth kept appearing and multiplying
• The pain does not go away even though you have taken painkillers
• The wound did not heal and had been going on for more than two weeks
• It is very difficult to eat, drink and talk
• Have a high fever

In essence, immediately check with a doctor whenever you experience some strange symptoms that are not unusual when experiencing thrush.

Remember, only you can measure the intensity of pain in your body. The sooner the sores in the mouth are treated, the easier the treatment will be.

So, don't wait too badly to seek medical help.

Cause

What causes thrush?

Until now the causes of thrush (aphthous stomatitis) the exact is still unknown. However, experts suspect that a number of things below can trigger sores in the mouth.

1. Irritation or trauma

Trauma to the oral tissues can cause mouth sores. For example, when your tongue or lip is bitten when you chew food, your tongue is scratched by a sharp food such as chips, or when you brush your teeth too hard so that it injures your gums.

Friction bracket braces with the gums and lips can also trigger sores in the mouth. Likewise with the incorrectly fitting dentures.

2. Chemicals in dental cleaning products

Toothpaste and mouthwash are two important things that help maintain and maintain oral hygiene. However, the chemical content in toothpaste and mouthwash can actually trigger canker sores, for example Sodium lauryl sulfate

3. Certain foods

Without realizing it, the food you eat everyday can also trigger sores in your mouth. Foods that are too spicy, hot, and acidic can irritate the soft tissues in the mouth and cause mouth sores.

4. Vitamin deficiency

Lack of vitamins B3, B12, folic acid, zinc and iron can make it easier for your body to experience sores in the mouth. Likewise with a deficiency of vitamin C which boosts the immune system.

When you are deficient in this vitamin, your body will be more susceptible to disease, including thrush.

5. Allergies

Apart from causing watery eyes and itching on the skin, food allergies can also cause mouth sores. Some of the most common foods that cause allergies include milk, eggs and seafood.

6. Hormonal changes

Compared to men, women tend to be more prone to experience oral problems, such as swollen gums, bleeding, and mouth sores. Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause are thought to be the cause.

The level of the hormone progesterone that rises during this time affects blood flow to the gums. As a result, the gums become very sensitive and prone to injury.

7. Certain diseases

People who have a weak immune system due to HIV / AIDS or cancer tend to experience thrush more easily.

A number of other diseases such as lupus, Bahcet's disease. celiac disease, ulcerative colitis , and Crohn's disease can also trigger canker sores.

8. Viral infection

Viral infection will only cause herpes stomatitis thrush. Herpes stomatitis or oral herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). The virus can spread through the saliva of an infected person.

Viruses can also be spread if the water-filled resilient breaks and hits other people. Apart from spreading to other people, the virus can also spread to other parts of the sufferer's body, such as the eyes and genitals.

After the first infection, HSV-1 will lie dormant in the body. Stress, frequent heat in the sun, and fatigue can trigger the virus to reactivate and infect the body. The weaker the body's immune system, the more susceptible you are to getting herpes canker sores.

9. Stop smoking

It turns out that quitting smoking can put you at risk for developing thrush. Several studies have found that someone who stops smoking can increase the risk of developing mild thrush which usually occurs in the first 2 weeks and improves after 4 weeks.

The researchers said the lesions or abnormal areas were the result of quitting smoking, and not from using smoking cessation drugs.

Risk factors

Who is at high risk of developing thrush?

Anyone can get canker sores. However, this condition is more common in adolescents and young adult women.

If you have a genetic history with this condition, then you are more likely to experience it too.

Environmental factors such as food and certain allergens can also trigger sores in the mouth, causing canker sores. People who are prone to thrush can experience more severe injuries.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How to diagnose thrush?

There are two types of canker sores. In order to determine the cause, the doctor will first check your medical history.

After that, the doctor will examine the wound while asking about the symptoms you are experiencing.

If needed, the doctor can also perform blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. Once the cause is identified, the doctor can determine the right treatment according to your condition.

How to treat thrush?

There is no one sure way to treat thrush. Sores in the mouth generally do not need special treatment and can heal on their own.

However, to help relieve pain and speed up recovery during thrush, some of the methods below can be tried.

1. Take pain relievers

If the sore caused by the thrush causes intense burning and a painful sensation, you can take a pain reliever.

Pain relievers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can be purchased at pharmacies without having to redeem a doctor's prescription.

Before taking medicine, carefully read the rules of use. Make sure the dosage you are taking is as recommended.

Don't hesitate to ask a doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand the rules of use.

2. Antiviral drugs

In the case of thrush caused by herpes, the doctor can prescribe oral antiviral drugs or ointments.

Antiviral drugs are effective against and kill the viruses that cause cold sores in the mouth. Some of the antiviral drugs that can be used to treat oral herpes are acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir.

Take antiviral medication as prescribed by your doctor. Do not add, reduce, or stop medications without your doctor's permission.

3. Other drugs

Lidocaine and xylocaine topical medications can be used to relieve discomfort and itching in the affected area. Both of these drugs are local anesthetics that work by temporarily numbing the outside and inside of the skin.

Corticosteroid drugs such as prednisone can also be used to reduce swelling and pain due to canker sores.

However, this medication can also be used to relieve pain due to cold sores.

Prednisone can trigger a rise in blood sugar. Therefore, this drug should not be used by patients with a history of diabetes.

4. Gargle salt water

Salt can help relieve inflammation and pain in the injured area. Salt water gargle can also be used to prevent the wound from getting worse. The reason is, this kitchen spice has an antibacterial effect.

You simply dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle water all over the oral cavity and then remove the water marks.

Do this several times a day or until the wound in the mouth is deflated.

5. Cold compress

In order for the canker sores to deflate quickly and heal, you can also do cold compresses. Cold temperatures can relieve pain and reduce swelling of the injured oral tissue.

Get some ice cubes and wrap them in a clean cloth or washcloth. After that, place the cloth on the gum, tongue, or cheek where the wound is located for a few minutes.

You can also gargle with cold water to relieve the painful sensation caused by sores in your mouth.

6. Avoid trigger foods

Common mouth ulcers can be caused from spicy, salty, or acidic foods. That is why, avoid these various types of food until the wound in the mouth is completely healed.

Also, avoid very hot drinks and foods with sharp textures or edges such as crackers.

Prevention

How to prevent thrush?

Canker sores often come back or appear when you are not aware of them. However, you can reduce your risk of reoccurring by following these tips:

1. Watch what you eat

Avoid foods that can irritate your mouth, such as foods that are hard and have a spicy or sour taste. In addition, also avoid various foods that make you sensitive and allergic.

2. Choose healthy foods

Thrush can be caused because you are deficient in nutrients. Therefore, so that you do not experience this condition, make sure that your intake of fruits and vegetables is fulfilled properly.

In essence, fill your daily intake of vitamins and minerals. Apart from preventing canker sores, adequate nutritional intake can also improve your overall health.

3. Maintain oral hygiene habits

Brush your teeth regularly and flossing can keep the mouth clean. This good habit also makes the mouth free of food scraps that can trigger sores.

Use a soft toothbrush to help prevent irritation of the soft oral tissues. Also avoid toothpaste and mouthwash that contains sodium lauryl sulfate .

4. Protect your mouth

If you use braces or other dental work, ask your dentist about orthodontic wax to cover sharp edges. This is to prevent sores in the mouth area and canker sores.

5. Reduce stress

If the appearance of thrush is related to stress, learn and use stress-reducing techniques such as meditation.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.