What is Oral Thrush?

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oral thrushOral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is an infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. It is also referred to as a yeast infection and is caused by the same fungus that causes vaginal yeast infections. Candida albicans is a fungus that may normally exist in the mouth and other parts of the body; it is usually kept in check from overgrowth by a healthy immune system and good bacteria in the body. However, in certain situations when the immune system is weakened or good bacteria is not present, the fungus can multiply and lead to issues.

 

Causes of Oral Thrush

The most common populations affected are infants, the elderly, and the immunosuppressed. While oral thrush is common in infants and typically resolves within a couple weeks, in children and adults it can indicate an underlying condition or a weakened immune system.

 

The following can be risk factors for oral thrush:

  • Diabetes
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Cancer or chemotherapy treatments
  • Medications such as steroids, antibiotics, and birth control pills
  • Dentures, particularly ones that don’t fit well
  • Smoking
  • Dry mouth
  • Pregnancy and associated hormonal changes
  • Stress

 

Symptoms of Oral Thrush

Signs of oral thrush typically include white lesions and sores in the mouth, as well as a white coating on the tongue and pain. The sores can affect not only the mouth but the surrounding areas. In more severe or advanced cases, the infection can spread to the esophagus and other systems of the body.

If babies have oral thrush and are breastfeeding, they can spread the infection to the mother’s breasts, which causes skin irritation and sensitivity.

Treatment for Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is typically a short-term condition but for people with weakened immune systems, thrush can spread to other systems of the body and cause serious illness. It’s important to see your doctor to determine the cause and proper treatment of oral thrush.

Although oral thrush in babies is common, if your infant exhibits mild signs of oral thrush that do not resolve within 1-2 weeks, make an appointment to see your doctor. For children and adults, make an appointment as soon as possible to rule out potential underlying conditions. You may be prescribed anti-fungal medications to treat the infection.

 

Oral Thrush Prevention

Oral thrush is usually not contagious, except in the case of infants transmitting to their mother’s breasts. The best way to prevent oral thrush is to stay as healthy as you can: stop smoking, monitor your diet, manage your stress level, and try to keep your immune system working as well as possible. If you have a condition like diabetes, take any prescribed medications and follow your doctor’s instructions to manage your health.

As always, don’t forget to practice proper dental hygiene: brush twice a day, floss once a day, and if you have dentures, clean them properly and don’t sleep in them. See us at Chauvin Dental every six months for your regular checkups and let us know if you’ve got any concerns about oral thrush or any other oral conditions.

3 Signs You Need Dental Implants

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dental implantsA dental implant is an attractive option for people who have lost or broken one or more teeth. Dental implants are typically preferred by dentists, provided the patient is in good overall health and can heal well from the surgery. Implants have a few advantages over other options like bridges or dentures: they’re the closest thing to your real teeth, they’re easy to take care of, and they last longer.

Dental implants are made out of titanium and are surgically implanted into your jaw in order to hold the replacement tooth. The implant is most commonly placed in the jawbone but can also be put on the jawbone if necessary. The bones of the jaw actually heal around the titanium and integrate it into the mouth structure, which is a great benefit of implants.

How do you know if you need dental implants?

Here are three common reasons to visit your dentist to see if you’re a candidate for dental implants.

  1. You have one or more missing or broken teeth due to injury or disease. People lose teeth for many different reasons, and it’s nothing to feel embarrassed about, as you’ve got plenty of options with modern dentistry. The best time to get implants is as close to the tooth loss as possible.  
  2. You currently have bridges or dentures in your mouth and are unhappy with them. Dentures and bridges may be time-consuming to take care of and need to be replaced every so often. They also don’t offer the security that dental implants do, and you may find that you aren’t able to enjoy your favorite foods or your self-confidence is affected in some way.
  3. Your self-confidence or happiness is suffering in some way because of your teeth. Many people may feel uncomfortable eating in social situations with their dentures or bridges or may not feel as confident as they used to. The team at Chauvin Dental wants our patients to be proud of their smiles, and we can work with you to figure out a plan to achieve that together.

 

If you do get dental implants, you’ll take care of them the same way you do your natural teeth: brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss once a day, and visit your dentist every six months for regular scheduled cleanings. If you want to see if you’re a potential candidate for dental implants, schedule an appointment with Chauvin Dental today.

Dangers of Wearing Dentures at Night

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Dangers of Wearing Dentures at Night dr. chauvin lafayette la dentistMany people, both young and old, wear either partial or full dentures to counteract the negative effects of tooth loss. Dentures can help restore a person’s self-confidence and give back the ability to enjoy favorite foods or speak in public with no fear of judgment. Many denture wearers may feel so comfortable with their dentures that they don’t see a problem sleeping with them at night; however, there are many alarming side effects to wearing dentures at night or while sleeping.

 

Complications of Constantly Wearing Dentures 

It’s essential to remove your dentures while sleeping, or for another 7-8 hour stretch during the day, to give your tissues and gums a break. If you sleep with dentures, the moist environment of your mouth can create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow between the bottom of the dentures and your gum-line. This bacteria can then easily be breathed into your lungs and cause systemic infections. A study in the Journal of Dental Research showed that within denture wearers in a nursing home, the ones who slept with dentures were more than twice as likely to experience complications, and even death, related to pneumonia.

 

Other common complications that can be caused by not removing dentures at night include:

  • Denture-related stomatitis, which is an inflammation in the top of the mouth caused by a yeast infection. This can be accompanied by cracking and dryness in the corners of the mouth.
  • Bone loss and long-term changes in appearance in the face, caused by constant pressure on the gums from the dentures. Taking dentures out at night gives your gums a break from the pressure and lessens the risk of bone loss.
  • Foul smells or bad breath
  • Inflammation or sores in the mouth

 

Proper Denture Care

Your dentures are an investment that you want to last. Here are some tips to make sure they stay in top condition:

  • Remove and clean your dentures after meals; if you don’t have time to clean them each time, make sure to at least rinse them with water. This will help wash off any bacteria.
  • At least once a day, gently brush your dentures with a soft toothbrush or denture brush. Use hand soap, dish liquid, or a denture cleanser. Regular toothpaste is usually a bit too abrasive for dentures.
  • When your dentures are not in your mouth, clean your gums and tongue once a day. You can use a damp, soft washcloth to wipe and massage them.
  • While the dentures are out of your mouth, store them in water or a solution designed for dentures. Dentures are made to be kept moist, so leaving them out in the air could lead to breakdowns in the structure of the dentures.

 

Remember that even if you have dentures, you still need to visit your dentist at least every six months to make sure that your dental health is in order. If you’re experiencing pain, discomfort, or any other issues with your dentures, come in for a visit as soon as possible to make sure there is no evidence of gum disease or other issues. With proper care and maintenance, your dentures will last and be a positive part of your overall dental health.