Oral thrush

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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

Anyone can develop oral thrush, but the infection is more common in some. Risk factors include:

  • Being an infant
  • Having a compromised immune system
  • Wearing dentures
  • Having other health conditions, such as diabetes or anemia
  • Taking certain medications, such as antibiotics, or oral or inhaled corticosteroids
  • Undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer
  • Having conditions that cause dry mouth (xerostomia)
  • Smoking
References
  1. Candidiasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/candidiasis_gi.html. Accessed June 29, 2009.
  2. Candidiasis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec10/ch120/ch120b.html. Accessed June 17, 2009.
  3. 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.
  4. Candidiasis. American Academy of Pediatric's Redbook. http://aapredbook.aappublications.org. Accessed June 29, 2009.
  5. Kauffman CA. Clinical manifestations of oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 16, 2009.
  6. Lakshman PS, et al. Oral mucosal fungal infections. Periodontology 2000. 2009;49:39.
  7. Is thrush causing my sore nipples? La Leche League International. http://www.llli.org/FAQ/thrush.html. Accessed June 29, 2009.
  8. Gonsalves WC. Common oral conditions in older persons. American Family Physician. 2008;78:845.
  9. Diabetes and oral health. American Dental Association. https://www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/jada/patient/patient_18.pdf. Accessed June 29, 2009.
  10. Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 30, 2009.

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Aug. 20, 2009

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