Oral Thrush (Candidiasis): Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Oral thrush, also called oral candidiasis, is a common fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of candida yeast in the mouth. It can affect babies, healthy adults, and especially people who wear dentures. At our clinic in Sector 45, Gurgaon, we see thrush fairly often, and the good news is that it is usually easy to identify and treat once the cause is understood.
What Does Oral Thrush Look Like?
The most recognisable sign is creamy white or yellowish patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, tonsils, or gums. These patches can look a bit like cottage cheese and may bleed slightly if scraped. Other symptoms include:
- A cottony feeling in the mouth
- Loss of taste or an unpleasant taste
- Redness or soreness that makes eating or swallowing uncomfortable
- Cracking and redness at the corners of the mouth
- A burning sensation, especially under dentures
In babies, thrush often appears as white patches inside the cheeks or on the tongue that do not wipe away easily, sometimes along with fussiness during feeding.
Why Does Thrush Develop?
Candida yeast is naturally present in small amounts in most mouths. Thrush develops when something disturbs the normal balance and allows the yeast to multiply. Common reasons include:
- Weakened immunity: illness, certain medications, or conditions like diabetes
- Antibiotic use: antibiotics can kill helpful bacteria that normally keep candida in check
- Inhaled steroids: used for asthma, especially without rinsing the mouth afterward
- Dry mouth: reduced saliva flow from medications, dehydration, or certain health conditions
- Dentures: ill-fitting or poorly cleaned dentures create a warm, moist space where yeast thrives
- Immature immune systems: in newborns, or during breastfeeding if the mother has a yeast infection
How Thrush Differs Across Age Groups
Babies
Infant thrush is common and usually not serious. It can make feeding uncomfortable, and if the mother is breastfeeding, the yeast can pass back and forth between mother and baby, so both may need treatment.
Adults
In otherwise healthy adults, thrush is less common and often points to a recent antibiotic course, inhaler use, or dry mouth. Recurrent thrush in adults is sometimes an early sign of an undiagnosed condition such as diabetes, so it is worth mentioning to your doctor.
Denture Wearers
This is one of the most frequent groups we see thrush in. It often shows up as redness and soreness under the upper denture rather than obvious white patches, a condition sometimes called denture stomatitis. Poor denture hygiene, wearing dentures overnight, and a poor fit are the main contributing factors.
How Is Oral Thrush Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually starts with a simple visual examination. In most cases, the appearance of the patches and the patient's history, such as recent antibiotic use or denture wear, are enough for a confident diagnosis. If needed, a small sample can be taken from the affected area and examined to confirm the presence of candida, particularly if the infection is severe, recurrent, or not responding to treatment.
How Is Oral Thrush Treated?
Treatment depends on the severity and the person's age, but generally includes:
- Antifungal medication: gels, lozenges, or liquid antifungal drops applied directly in the mouth for mild to moderate cases
- Oral antifungal tablets: for more widespread or persistent infections
- Denture care: thorough daily cleaning, soaking in an antifungal solution, and leaving dentures out overnight
- Addressing the underlying cause: rinsing the mouth after inhaler use, managing dry mouth, or reviewing antibiotic use
- Follow up: a repeat check to confirm the infection has cleared, especially for denture wearers
| Treatment | Typical Range (INR) |
|---|---|
| Consultation and examination | Typical range: Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 |
| Antifungal gel or lozenge course | Typical range: Rs 150 to Rs 500 |
| Denture adjustment or reline (if needed) | Typical range: Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000 |
These are typical ranges only, actual costs depend on the severity of infection and any dental work needed. Your dentist will confirm exact costs after examination.
When to See a Dentist
If you notice persistent white patches, soreness under your dentures, or thrush that keeps coming back, it is best to get it checked rather than treat it repeatedly at home. At Smiles By Dr. T in Sector 45, Gurgaon, near ISKCON Temple, we can identify the cause, prescribe the right treatment, and check your dentures for fit if that is contributing to the problem. Call us at +91 79482 24068 to book an appointment.
Have questions about your teeth?
Smiles By Dr. T · Plot No 35, Sector 45, Near ISKCON Temple, Gurgaon
Frequently asked questions
Is oral thrush contagious?
The candida fungus itself lives in most mouths without causing problems. Thrush can pass between a breastfeeding mother and baby if one has an active infection, but it does not spread through casual contact like a cold does.
Can oral thrush go away on its own?
Mild cases sometimes clear up once the underlying cause, such as antibiotic use, is resolved. However, most cases need antifungal treatment to fully clear and to stop it from returning.
Does thrush mean something is wrong with my immune system?
Not always. Common triggers include recent antibiotics, inhaler use, dentures, or dry mouth. Recurrent or severe thrush without an obvious cause is worth discussing with your doctor, as it can sometimes point to diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Can I keep wearing my dentures if I have thrush?
You should clean them thoroughly and avoid wearing them overnight until the infection clears. Wearing unclean or ill-fitting dentures continuously is one of the main reasons thrush keeps coming back.
Treatment costs mentioned on this page are indicative ranges for the Sector 45, Gurgaon region. Your exact cost depends on your case and will be confirmed after a clinical examination at the clinic.