Guide
Oral thrush: symptoms, causes and when to seek review
Contents
Oral thrush is a yeast infection in the mouth. It may look like a white coating on the tongue, cheeks or palate, and the area underneath can be red or sore.
What can cause it#
Dry mouth, dentures, antibiotics, inhaled steroid medicine, diabetes and weakened immunity can all increase the risk. In babies, thrush is common enough that it is often called by a separate name.
What it can feel like#
The mouth may burn, taste can change and eating can become uncomfortable. In some people the white coating wipes off easily and leaves irritated skin underneath.
What helps#
Good oral hygiene and reducing dry mouth are important. Dentures need careful cleaning and should not be worn in a way that keeps the mouth constantly irritated.
If thrush keeps coming back, the underlying cause matters more than repeated short treatment attempts.
When to seek care#
Seek care if the patches, soreness or burning last more than a week, keep returning, or make eating or swallowing difficult. Seek review sooner if you have diabetes, low immunity or a problem with dentures.
Further reading and sources#
Further reading: