Why Thrush Makes You Blush & How To Stop It

Go On Then: Tell Us What Thrush Is

Apart from being a shame-inducing word, thrush is an infection: a non-discriminating yeast/ fungal infection that can affect men, women, children and babies. This common blight can occur either superficially or systemically in the body and can sometimes be a root cause of many other health conditions. There are 2 commonly-known types of thrush: oral and vaginal. This article will take a closer look at oral thrush, or Candidiasis, and its impact on the body.

Candida Is Not As Nice As It Sounds

Thrush is caused by the Candida species (yeasts); predominantly by Candida albicans, but it can also be caused by other members of the candida family (e.g. Candida glabrata or Candida tropicalis). Candida species exist naturally in the body in small amounts and are a necessary part of our immune system. However, due to their opportunistic nature, they welcome the chance to cover greater ground if the conditions are right. The “gazillion” types of microorganisms present in our bodies (no exaggeration, there are literally hundreds) live in a synergistic manner with each other, but when the ‘balance of power’ is corrupted, an opportunity is created for candida to run riot; making way for infections like thrush to take hold.

How does Oral Thrush Affect the Body?

Areas of the body that can be affected by thrush include the scalp, skin, nails, the gastrointestinal tract (including the mouth), the respiratory tract, and vaginal mucosa. You said it! Eeek! However, there are varying degrees of infection: thrush can vary from a low-grade yeast overgrowth with no obvious symptoms to a more severe infection, with highly irritating symptoms. Oral thrush (also known as moniliasis) is a yeast infection that occurs in the mucus membrane lining of the mouth and on the tongue. Infection usually appears as creamy, white (or cottage-cheese like) thick deposits or lesions on the surface of the tongue and cheeks. It can also spread to the gums, tonsils, palate and back of the throat. In severe cases, infection can spread to the esophagus and blood stream. (Once in the blood stream this becomes a systemic problem). Lesions can become painful, and tend to bleed when rubbed or scraped. Initially, it is common to experience a burning sensation in the mouth and a temporary loss of taste can occur in some cases, as well as a cotton-like sensation and cracking in the corners of the mouth. Babies with oral thrush may show signs of fussiness and poor feeding, while the mother may also show the following thrush symptoms on her breasts: red, sensitive or itchy nipples, flaky or shiny skin on the areola and painful nipples during feeding.

Causes and Prevalence

As already mentioned, oral thrush can affect anyone, but is more prevalent in certain groups including:

Babies
Denture wearers
Users of corticosteroid inhalers and other medications like antibiotics
Smokers
People with an iron or vitamin B deficiency
Those with a tongue piercing
People who have a constant dry mouth e.g. a result of medication or Sjőgren’s Syndrome
Anyone with a compromised immune system e.g. AIDS/HIV suffers and those on chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Diabetics
People with poor oral hygiene

What To Do About It!

Oral thrush is typically addressed locally with prescribed treatments like pastilles that are sucked or oral suspensions that are held in the mouth before swallowing. In severe cases, an internal medication may be prescribed. Some natural topical applications include:

Salt and/or sodium bicarbonate warm water rinse: Try half a tsp salt or 1 tsp of bicarbonate soda in 1 cup of warm water. Rinse and spit out. Don't swallow.
Antimicrobial herbs: Herbs such as golden seal, thyme, tea tree or pau d’arco may also be used in a rinse or a gargle.
Coconut Oil: Put 1 tsp - 1 tbsp of cold, pressed, extra virgin coconut oil into your mouth. When it has melted, swirl it around in your mouth for as long as possible (at least 5 mins). Then spit out, do not swallow and rinse with water afterwards. The caprylic acid in coconut oil is well known for its benefits with yeast and fungi.
Probiotic Yoghurt: Eat high quality, plain yogurt, containing cultures of friendly bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium. Make sure that is has no added sugar, fruit or sweeteners of any kind.

Often when oral thrush is present, a systemic approach is required to re-balance this microorganism throughout the body. So it is recommended to follow a low carbohydrate (grains and starches) and low sugar diet with plenty of high quality protein, healthy fats and fresh raw vegetables with each meal and snack. This diet helps to inhibit overgrowth of candida in the body, though a supplement that targets a lower digestive tract yeast imbalance may also be necessary. Oxygen supplements and enzymes can also assist with a candida infection in any area of the body.

Prevention is Important!

There are a number of preventative measures that can help to ensure the infection does not recur.

Practice good oral hygiene - brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day as well as regular dental checkups.
Take a broad-spectrum probiotic; especially after a course of antibiotics
Rinse mouth immediately after using inhalers
Clean dentures carefully everyday
Sterilise baby dummies, bottles and teats
Avoid sharing water bottles
Maintain a low sugar and low carbohydrate diet

If you think you may have oral thrush, visit your doctor , Naturopath or healthcare practitioner to get an oral swab to verify this. Most importantly, don’t suffer in silence. Do speak to a healthcare professional. They’re generally helpful, non-judgemental folk, so no need to blush.