Oral Yeast Infections

Most people are familiar with vaginal yeast infections, something that affects seventy-five percent of the world's women. People are less familiar with oral yeast infections. The fungus that causes oral yeast infections is Candidia. There are four types of oral yeast infections.

The first type of oral yeast infection is Moniliasis. Moniliasis is characterized by a thick white or yellow phlegm that coats the entire surface of the mouth. When this phlegm is wiped away the underlying tissue is an angry red color. Moniliasis is also called thrush. Erythematous is another oral yeast infection. It's characterized by patches of red, peeling skin on the mouth's palette and the tongue. When a person is diagnosed with Angular cheilitis they will have angry red cracks in the corners of their mouth. If there is extra tissue in the mouth, usually discolored, the person is probably suffering from a condition called Hyperplastic. If the condition is left unchecked it's possible for other tissues and organs in the body to become infected and compromised.

People who have an oral yeast infection will sometimes crave alcohol, sugar, bread and other foods that contain large amounts of yeast. They'll often feel like their mouth is burning. Other common symptoms of an oral yeast infection include fatigue, depression, joint/muscle pain, and digestive problems.

Oral yeast infections seem to be most common in the young or elderly. It is unusual (but not unheard of) for a healthy person in the prime of their life to have an oral yeast infection. Some people will develop an oral yeast infection when they are on chemotherapy. Sometimes the stress of an organ transplant will trigger an oral yeast infection. Because AIDS and HIV already suppress the immune system it is not unusual for someone dealing with these illnesses to have oral yeast infections. If you suffer from chronic health problems you are more likely to develop an oral yeast infection then if you are a healthy person. Changes in their blood sugar make diabetics prone to oral yeast infections.

Steroids and antibiotics make a body more susceptible to an oral yeast infection, because they suppress the bodies immune system. It isn't unheard of for a woman's birth control to lead to an oral yeast infection. Iron deficiencies can cause an oral yeast infection, it is believed that a low iron level in the bloodstream lowers the bodies immune system, making it more prone to infection.

Nystatin, Triazoles, Amphotericin B, Candicidin, and Ketoconazole are drugs that are frequently used to treat oral yeast infections. If you prefer a natural treatment you might want to consider capricin tea, artemisia, grapefruit seed extract, gentian, grape seed oil, or homeopathic Cadida silicea.

Because infants are particularly susceptible to oral yeast infections parents need to frequently examine their child's mouth. They should pay particular attention to any lesions that make it difficult for their child to eat. If they notice lesion in the infants mouth they should immediately bring the child to the pediatrician. Sterilizing your child's pacifiers will help prevent an oral yeast infection.

If you experience chronic oral yeast infections (of they happen frequently) you will want to discuss preventative measures with your physician. They will be able to recommend an antibiotic that might help prevent future oral yeast infections.

Learn the natural cure for oral yeast infections here.