Candida on the Tongue
Candida on the tongue is basically a yeast infection on the tongue and it is a painful infection. Candida can infect the tongue, gum, and tonsils. It is often referred to as the thrush. Like any yeast it prefers a warm, moist place which is why the mouth is the perfect place for it to grow and thrive.
Candida is a common flora of the intestinal tract that is beneficial when the body is in balance. However, when the body becomes imbalanced and an overgrowth of the fungus, Candida on the tongue or other areas such as the throat or genitals can occur.
The classic sign of Candida on the tongue is a thick white coating on the tongue or white patches on the gums. The tongue typically has a slight white coating but if the coating on the tongue becomes thick enough to scrape through then Candida albicans is probably present.
Other symptoms include lesions on the tongue or gums that look like cottage-cheese; pain in the mouth; a loss of taste and cracking on the corners of the mouth. If the Candida becomes severe it can spread through to the esophagus making it difficult to swallow.
Some people, due to their age or certain conditions are more susceptible to Candida on the tongue than other. Baby’s can develop the illness if their mother has a vaginal yeast infection when they pass through the birth canal. If they are then nursed they can pass the fungus to the mother and a cycle starts as the baby nurses and it is passed back.
People who have a weakened immune systems for any number of reasons, such as diabetes; anemia; undergoing chemotherapy treatments; or are taking certain medications such as corticosteroids and antibiotics are more likely to develop Candida of the tongue.
Under normal conditions Candida doesn’t pose a health risk and can be treated easily. However, for people with autoimmune diseases like HIV, Candida can be serious and spread to the intestines making it hard for the body to get nutrients. It can also spread to the lungs, liver and digestive tract when the immune system is weak.
Treatment of Candida on the tongue can be started at home. Unsweetened yogurt or acidophilus capsules, which can be found in a health food store or the vitamin section of the local pharmacy, will help the body restore its natural balance. If this does not work, a family doctor can prescribe an antifungal.
Infants who are nursing and their mothers should both be treated in order to stop the cycle of passing the fungus back and forth. The mother may receive and antifungal cream for the breasts and the baby will receive an oral antifungal.
Candida on the tongue or thrush is a common occurrence that should not be cause for alarm. A slight change in diet should put the body back into harmony and stop the painful occurrence from occurring.