Fungus In The Mouth: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
Talking, singing, eating, laughing, kissing… our mouth is one of the most versatile and useful parts of our body, which we use in very different ways in order to adapt to the environment. It is a highly innervated area of the body over which we have a great capacity to control.
And yet, it is also a very delicate part of our body that is often in contact with bacteria and elements from both the inside (such as the intestinal flora) and the outside. Sometimes it is possible that we may suffer some type of infection or problem, one of the possible causes being the appearance of fungus in the mouth
Throughout this article we are going to observe what are the main symptoms that warn us of the presence of a possible oral fungal infection, some of its possible causes and how they can be treated.
We talk about fungal infections or mycoses when we are referring to the existence of a series of symptoms derived from the presence of different species of fungi in our body. These infections can occur in any part of the body, such as the skin or genital tract, and in the case that concerns us in this article also in one of the openings of the body most exposed and in contact with external elements or with microbes dedicated to processing food: the mouth.
There are many fungi that can reach our body, and many of them have the capacity to cause infections. Some of the best known and most common at oral level are mushrooms. Candida albicans and the Candida tropicalis, which can cause oral candidiasis. Other examples are Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (existing in Latin America and which enters the body through inhalation of its spores in the breath) or Cryptococcus neoformans.
Symptoms
Fungal infection in the mouth is usually asymptomatic at first, meaning that at first the affected person may not perceive any type of alteration or discomfort. However, as these fungi grow and multiply they can cause different discomforts and injuries.
Among these injuries and alterations The presence of inflammation and/or bleeding in the gums and/or tongue, oral or throat pain, are common, appearance of white plaques (which are removed with scraping and leave behind bleeding lesions) or reddish or bleeding lesions, cracks and painful sores on the tongue or lips, and bad breath. In general, they are not dangerous, but some caution must be taken because in some cases they can cause serious complications and infections and inflammations in different organs.
How do they get there? Risk factors for its appearance
The appearance of oral fungi does not have a single, clear cause, but can be given and influenced by a wide variety of factors. Generally, if this is possible, it is because there are sufficient conditions in the subject’s mouth for the fungi to grow. It It does not have to imply lack of hygiene but it can also be different diseases or even our lifestyle and diet that facilitate the existence of the necessary elements for the survival of the fungus.
There are multiple factors that facilitate infection. Among them we can find the presence of diabetes (in which there is also a higher concentration of sugars in saliva, something that serves as food) or anemia, in addition to congenital or acquired immunodeficiency (since the lack of nutrients such as vitamins and/or or the defenses of the immune system facilitate the survival of the fungus).
Likewise, also excess intake or excessive consumption of certain foods It favors the birth and reproduction of fungi. Endocrine and hormonal disorders or alterations can also be factors that influence its appearance or maintenance. Finally, the consumption of substances, whether adulterated or not, greatly contributes to its appearance, especially in the case of tobacco or alcohol.
The lack of dental hygiene or the existence of prostheses or areas that are difficult to access when cleaning the mouth also generates an increased probability of suffering from them. Some diseases such as leukemia or other infections can also favor them, due to the existence of a lower immune system response.
Likewise, some drugs can cause oral mycosis, such as some antibiotics or corticosteroids (including some vaporized or aspirated). Chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment also decreases the defenses.
In addition, it must be taken into account that there are vital periods of greater vulnerability, among which the first moments after birth, early childhood, old age or pregnancy stand out. In general, the changes generated at the hormonal level or the lowering of defenses or substances capable of fighting or stopping the fungus are considerable risk factors.
Treating the presence of fungus in the mouth will require a specific approach depending on the fungus and the presence of other factors such as possible comorbid diseases. However, at a general level they can be used antifungal or antifungal medications which can act by slowing their growth or directly killing them.
Some of these drugs may be nystatin (one of the most used, especially in oral candidiasis) or cyclopiroxolamine. Systemic treatments such as ketoconazole can also be applied (although the latter, depending on the quantities, can be hepatotoxic). Now, it must be taken into account that These drugs must be prescribed by a doctor and that some cannot be taken, for example by pregnant women or people with certain underlying health problems.
It is also worth taking into account the need for prevention or adding foods to the diet that help control oral pH, such as yogurt, or allow the acquisition of vitamins, fibers and nutrients that help keep the body well balanced. Brushing and correct dental hygiene is also of great help. In cases where diseases such as those mentioned exist, it must also be taken into account that it is necessary to treat them with the corresponding methods.
