Oral Thrush (Candidiasis) is an overgrowth of yeast fungi which occurs naturally in the mouth. Regulation of the candida albicans fungus is a normal function of the immune system and thrush occurs when this regulation is impaired and/or diminished.
Oral thrush lesions are white, lightly raised patches or sores on the tongue or mucosa which are often painful. They may bleed when scraped by a toothbrush or floss.
Most adult thrush is caused by compromise of the immune system from: the daily use of one or more prescriptive medications, various medical procedures, diseases, conditions, poor oral hygiene and/or by sexual transmission.
MEDICAL ALERT - Prescription Medications Cause Oral Thrush
"Epidemic levels of the incidence of oral thrush, induced by daily use of one or more commonly prescribed medications, are reported by U.S. health care professionals and agencies."
-- Dr. Jeffrey Hameroff, DDS, Periodontal Surgeon
Prescription Medications Linked to Oral Complications
- Antibiotics
- Antidepressants
- Corticosteroids
- Antihistamines
- Analgesics (Painkillers)
- Asthma Inhalers
- Statins
AMA Recommendation: READ ALL WARNING LABELS
Warning labels on these prescription medications list possible oral side effects under one or more of the following classifications:
"Adverse reactions"
"Possible common side effects"
"Most common side effects"
"Treatment emergent adverse events"
Adverse Oral Reactions/Side Effects Linked to Prescription Medications:
"Oral thrush"
"Mouth sores"
"Hoarseness"
"Dry mouth"
"Throat irritation"
"Dryness of throat"
Increased Susceptibility to Oral Thrush
Your immune system can be compromised by a number of diseases, conditions, and/or procedures which increase your susceptibility to oral thrush:
Diseases or Conditions
- Asthma
- COPD
- Diabetes
- Thyroiditis
- HIV/AIDS
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Sjögren's Syndrome
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Connective Tissue Disorders
Procedures
- Cancer Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
- Kidney Dialysis
- Transplant Surgeries
