Oral Thrush: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Thrush is a fungal infection that occurs within the lining of the oral cavity. While the responsible fungus, known as candida albicans, is always present in our mouths, thrush occurs when its growth becomes excessive. The most common indicator of a thrush infection is the formation of white, cream-colored lesions within the mouth. These typically form on the inner cheeks or tongue but can spread to other mouth areas. The tonsils, throat, gums, and roof of the mouth are all locations where the fungal infection can spread to. OC Kids Dental helps our patients when they suspect a thrush infection with diagnosis and effective treatment.

The Symptoms and Causes of Oral Thrush, Or Oral Candidiasis

Oral thrush is a condition that appears most commonly in infants and the elderly. However, it can form at any age. It’s most common in those who have suppressed immunity, are taking certain medications, or struggle with certain health conditions. Those who are otherwise in good health have little to fear from a thrush infection. However, if you have an impacted immune system, your symptoms can become more severe and the infection more difficult to control. Identification of thrush can be overlooked in its earliest stage, but the following symptoms can indicate its presence:

Creamy lesions form on the cheeks, gums, tonsils, tongue, or roof of the mouth
Cottage-cheese textured formations on the lesions
Soreness, burning, or redness that interferes with swallowing or eating
Lesions that bleed when scraped or rubbed
Redness or cracking that forms at the corners of the mouth
A cottony feeling within the mouth
Reduction in ability to taste
Pain, redness, or irritation that forms under dentures (denture stomatitis)

Severe thrush cases typically result from cancer or an immune system reduced by conditions such as HIV/AIDS. The lesions may extend down into the esophagus, causing significant difficulty with swallowing, making it feel like food is becoming stuck in the throat. If you’re breastfeeding and have a child who is experiencing a thrush infection, it can spread to the breasts.

When this occurs, you may identify the following symptoms:

Nipples that are cracked, sensitive, or unusually red
The skin on the areola of the breast that is darker, shiny, or flakes
Pain between feedings or unusual pain during feeding
Stabbing pain experienced deep within the breast

Thrush is uncommon in older children and adults. When they form in these patients, it’s often important to speak to both your dentist and physician to explore the possibility of an underlying condition.

Come See OC Kids Dental For Great Oral Health

If you or one of your family are experiencing the formation of white lesions within the oral cavity, it’s time to seek medical attention. The experts at our clinic can help with the diagnosis and treatment of mild cases. If a severe case is identified, you will be encouraged to seek assistance from your physician. Call us today at (949) 362-9860 to schedule your appointment and begin getting the care you need to address thrush and other oral health concerns.

When your child loses their first tooth, you can expect their teeth to start falling out around age six, with their permanent teeth taking their place. But sometimes, their permanent teeth will erupt behind their baby teeth that haven’t fallen out. If this happens to your child, don’t worry! Our team at OC Kids Dental is here to help. In this article, we’ll explore why their adult teeth sometimes come in behind their baby teeth and what you can do to ensure their oral health is on track.

Why Do Adult Teeth Come In Behind My Child’s Baby Teeth?

There are a few reasons why adult teeth may erupt before the baby teeth fall out. It’s important to understand that when permanent teeth replace the baby teeth, the roots of the baby teeth dissolve naturally. Some reasons why their adult teeth may come in behind their baby teeth include the following:

The Root Hasn’t Dissolved: In most cases, the baby teeth’s roots haven’t fully dissolved yet, which can delay the eruption of the permanent teeth. In these cases, your pediatric dentist will either need to extract the baby tooth, or it will fall out naturally over time.
Permanent Teeth Haven’t Developed Yet: In other cases, the permanent teeth may start to develop but haven’t fully developed enough to allow the baby’s tooth roots to dissolve.
Overcrowding: If their mouth is crowded, then their mouth won’t have enough space for all their permanent teeth to emerge, causing them to come in behind the baby teeth.
Genetics: Some factors may involve their genetics, such as the size and shape of their mouth, which can cause their adult teeth to come in behind their baby teeth.

If you notice that your child’s adult teeth are coming in behind their baby teeth, then there are a few things you can do to ensure that their oral health is right on track:

Schedule a Dental Exam: Make sure to schedule a dental appointment for them as soon as possible. Scheduling an appointment with a pediatric dentist can help evaluate your child’s teeth and determine if any treatments are needed.
Monitor Your Child’s Teeth: Keeping an eye on your child’s teeth can help you keep track of any changes or issues. If you notice that your baby’s tooth isn’t falling out or that they’re experiencing pain or discomfort, make sure to contact your pediatric dentist.
Consider Intervention: Your pediatric dentist may recommend treatment options such as space maintainers or extractions to ensure that your child’s permanent teeth come in correctly.

Visit OC Kids Dental Today For Your Child’s First Appointment!

While adult teeth coming in behind baby teeth are a common experience, it’s important to keep track of your child’s health and visit your pediatric dentist if you notice any changes in their health. At OC Kids Dental, our team of pediatric dentists is dedicated to helping your child experience excellent dental health. If you’re concerned about your child’s oral health, then schedule an appointment with Dr. Cima Atabaki in Aliso Viejo, CA, by calling (949) 362-9860.