Oral Fungal Infections

As I was channel surfing recently I came across a science show concerned with fungus. The fungi group ranged from molds and mildew to edible mushrooms and yeasts for baking. There is a fungus that is the largest living organism on the planet and fungi that invade the body. It was rather creepy, but mankind has been living with fungi since we first popped up on the scene. The microbes that make up the fungus group are diverse and can reproduce sexually, asexually, and by the spread of spores.

Your dentist is on the front line to help control and fix the damage caused by all the harmful microbes that can inhabit the mouth. There are over 30 different bacteria that cause tooth decay and over 60 that cause gum disease.

Virus infections can alter the body’s susceptibility to bacteria and infect the soft tissue in and around the mouth. They can create painful repetitive sores and be just a nuisance or be very fatal. But let’s discuss the fungus group of microbes and why your dentist is concerned.

The most common fungal infection of the mouth is called candidiasis or thrush. These fungi are normally present in the body and are warded off by the healthy immune system. When something interrupts or overloads the immune response the fungi can become rampant. This is called an opportunistic infection and can result in a burning sensation, tenderness and pain. The cheeks or tongue will get a whitish coating that can be scraped off. Your dentist is trained to spot these signs and prescribe the correct remedy. Usually nystatin troches 4-5 times a day for 2 weeks will kill the fungus.

Conditions that alter the immune system include diabetes, chronic dry mouth, chemotherapy, inappropriate use of steroid inhaler, HIV/AIDS, mononucleosis, stress, and nutrient deficiencies.

Fungus infections can occur under dentures and in the corners of the lips. I have prescribed antibiotics and people have developed fungal outbreaks. Topical nystatin creams with mild steroids like triamcinoclone provide excellent results.

Oral fungus infections do not occur over night and take time to develop and spread into surrounding tissues. If you think you have symptoms do not hesitate to contact your physician or dentist for treatment. Fungal infections can spread down the throat and into the digestive tract and become very serious.