From the Guidelines
Yes, oral thrush can cause mouth sores. Oral thrush, a fungal infection caused by Candida species (typically Candida albicans), can lead to painful sores or ulcers in the mouth as the infection progresses. These sores may develop when the fungal infection becomes severe enough to damage the mucosal tissues of the mouth. The typical symptoms of oral thrush include white, creamy lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, and sometimes the roof of the mouth, gums, and tonsils. As these lesions worsen, they can become irritated and develop into painful sores that may bleed when scraped.
Causes and Risk Factors
The causes of oral thrush are multifactorial, including:
- Antibiotic use
- Weakened immune system
- Diabetes
- Dry mouth conditions According to 1, oral ulceration is characterized by the persistent defect or destruction in the integrity of the oral epithelium, accompanied by variable loss of the underlying connective tissue, resulting in a crateriform appearance.
Treatment Options
Treatment for oral thrush typically involves antifungal medications such as:
- Nystatin oral suspension (swish and swallow 4-5 times daily)
- Clotrimazole troches (dissolved in the mouth 5 times daily)
- Fluconazole tablets (typically 100-200mg on day one, followed by 50-100mg daily for 7-14 days) As recommended by 1, fluconazole or multiazole resistance is predominantly the consequence of previous repeated and long-term exposure to fluconazole or other azoles.
Management and Prevention
Good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and rinsing with saltwater, can help manage symptoms. If you wear dentures, removing and cleaning them thoroughly is important. According to 1, for denture-related candidiasis, disinfection of the denture, in addition to antifungal therapy, is recommended.
Key Considerations
It is essential to note that oral thrush can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as a weakened immune system or diabetes. Therefore, it is crucial to address the underlying cause of the infection to prevent recurrence. As stated in 1, antiretroviral therapy should be used whenever possible for HIV-infected patients with oropharyngeal or esophageal candidiasis.
From the Research
Oral Thrush and Mouth Sores
- Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a common opportunistic oral infection that can present with various clinical symptoms, including mouth sores 2.
- The clinical presentation of oral thrush can involve whitish patches or erythema over the buccal mucosa, tongue, and palate, which can be painful and uncomfortable for the patient 3.
- Oral candidiasis can be asymptomatic, but it can also cause physical discomfort, burning mouth, dysgeusia, dysphagia, anorexia, and weight loss, leading to nutritional deficiency and impaired quality of life 4.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
- The symptoms of oral thrush can be similar to those of other white lesions, making diagnosis challenging 3.
- Oral physicians play a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of oral thrush, as they are familiar with the appearance and features of the condition 3.
- A diagnosis of oral thrush can be made based on clinical examination and patient history, and treatment can be advised promptly 3.
Treatment and Management
- Various antifungal treatments are available for oral candidiasis, including topical and systemic agents 2, 5, 6.
- Topical antifungal agents, such as nystatin, miconazole, and clotrimazole, are commonly used to treat oral candidiasis, while systemic agents, such as fluconazole and itraconazole, may be used in more severe cases or in patients who do not respond to topical treatment 2, 5, 6.
- The choice of antifungal agent depends on the severity of the infection, the patient's immune status, and the presence of any underlying medical conditions 5, 6.