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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Oral thrush is a condition in which the fungus Candida albicans accumulates on the lining of your mouth.
Oral thrush causes creamy white lesions, usually on your tongue or inner cheeks. The lesions can be painful and may bleed slightly when you scrape them. Sometimes oral thrush may spread to the roof of your mouth, your gums, tonsils or the back of your throat.
Although oral thrush can affect anyone, it's more likely to occur in babies and people who wear dentures, use inhaled corticosteroids or have compromised immune systems. Oral thrush is a minor problem if you're healthy, but if you have a weakened immune system, symptoms of oral thrush may be more severe and difficult to control.
- Candidiasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/candidiasis_gi.html. Accessed June 29, 2009.
- Candidiasis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec10/ch120/ch120b.html. Accessed June 17, 2009.
- Lustig LR, et al. Ear, nose, & throat disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2009. New York, N.Y.; McGraw-Hill/Lange; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2356. Accessed June 29, 2009.
- Candidiasis. American Academy of Pediatric's Redbook. http://aapredbook.aappublications.org. Accessed June 29, 2009.
- Kauffman CA. Clinical manifestations of oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 16, 2009.
- Lakshman PS, et al. Oral mucosal fungal infections. Periodontology 2000. 2009;49:39.
- Is thrush causing my sore nipples? La Leche League International. http://www.llli.org/FAQ/thrush.html. Accessed June 29, 2009.
- Gonsalves WC. Common oral conditions in older persons. American Family Physician. 2008;78:845.
- Diabetes and oral health. American Dental Association. https://www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/jada/patient/patient_18.pdf. Accessed June 29, 2009.
- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 30, 2009.
