The appropriate treatment for oral thrush (Candidiasis) will depend on the specific patient case and the likely cause of the condition.
Any likely causes should be established during diagnosis to prevent future recurrences of the condition. Treatment with antifungal medications is the most common solution, and there are many different forms available. Non-pharmacological management techniques can also help to assist treatment and prevent a recurrence.
Addressing the cause
It is important for the most probable cause of the oral thrush to be deduced during the diagnostic process, as this will have an impact on the treatment decisions.
If the use of certain medications such as antibiotics or inhaled corticosteroids is like to be involved, there may be a need to alter the use or administration of the medication. For example, a patient with oral thrush who is taking an inhaled corticosteroid may be advised to use a spacer when taking the medication and rinse their mouth after each use, which can help to prevent oral thrush.
For patients who have dentures, a check-up with their dentist should be recommended to confirm that the dentures a well fitted. This is important, as poorly fitted dentures can sometimes cause oral thrush and should therefore be avoided.
Antifungal medications
Oral thrush is usually treated with antifungal medications, which help to control the growth of Candida in the mouth.
There are various forms of antifungal medications, including gels and liquids, that can be applied topically to the affected area. Oral antifungal tablets or capsules to be swallowed are also sometimes recommended, although these are less commonly prescribed, as they are associated with unwanted systemic side effects.
Topical formulations usually need to be applied several times a day for 1-2 weeks to eradicate the fungal infection most effectively, whereas once-daily dosing is usually required for oral medications.
Some of the potential side effects that can occur following the use of both topical and oral antifungal medications include:
If symptoms persist for more than ten days with antifungal treatment or the infection recurs, it is recommended for the patient to seek further medical advice.
Prophylactic antifungal medications are also sometimes recommended on an ongoing basis for patients with a compromised immune system and who are, therefore, more likely to get oral thrush. This includes patients who have HIV and/or are taking immunosuppressant medication.
Non-pharmacological management
In addition to antifungal treatment, it is also important to maintain good oral hygiene to manage and prevent oral thrush. Patients should be advised to:
- Brush teeth twice a day and floss daily
- Rinse mouth after meals or use of inhaled medications
- Ensure that any dentures are well-fitted in the mouth
- Remove any dentures at night and clean them regularly
- Consume a healthy diet with a low intake of sugary foods
- Maintain adequate fluid intake to keep the mouth moist
- Avoid smoking
Each of these points is important for good oral hygiene and reducing the risk of oral thrush recurrence. Therefore, these non-pharmacological recommendations should be provided alongside other treatment methods, such as antifungal medications, to oral thrust patients.
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Further Reading