Oral candidiasis, often called oral thrush, is a yeast infection that can cause white patches, soreness, altered taste, or redness in the mouth. It is more likely after some antibiotics or inhaled steroids and in people with certain medical conditions. Not every white tongue or oral patch is thrush, so persistent or recurrent changes should be assessed.
Symptoms and risk factors
Typical features can include creamy white patches that may leave a red surface when wiped, soreness, cracks at the corners of the mouth, or altered taste. Risk factors include dentures, dry mouth, recent antibiotics, inhaled corticosteroids without good mouth rinsing, diabetes, and immune suppression.
How it is diagnosed and treated
A clinician often diagnoses thrush from appearance and history, with testing when the diagnosis is unclear or infection is recurrent. Treatment may involve a prescribed antifungal and attention to contributing factors. Do not scrape patches aggressively or use unprescribed antifungal medicines, especially if symptoms are severe or the diagnosis is uncertain.
Preventing recurrence
If using an inhaled steroid, follow the inhaler instructions and rinse and spit after use when recommended. Clean dentures and remove them overnight when advised. Review persistent dry mouth, blood glucose concerns, or repeated episodes with a clinician. A non-wiping lesion or patch lasting more than a short period needs assessment to exclude other causes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I scrape the white patches off? Avoid forceful scraping; it can injure the lining and does not treat the cause.
Can oral thrush spread to someone else? Candida can be present in the mouth without disease; the risk and relevance of transmission depend on the context.
When is review important? Seek assessment for persistent patches, painful swallowing, recurrence, immune suppression, or symptoms that fail to improve with treatment.
Explore our ENT consultation page for more information about this care option. A clinician can advise based on the individual history and examination findings.
Related reading
- Persistent Mouth Ulcers or White Patches: When to Arrange an Examination
- Sore Throat: Common Causes and When to Seek Medical Care