At the beginning of our article on tongue fungus, it’s important to understand that this health condition results from an overgrowth of Candida albicans inside the mouth. These fungi, which naturally exist in small amounts, may multiply abnormally and cause various health issues. In this article, we will explore the main causes of this overgrowth, how to treat it, and preventive measures to maintain oral and tongue health.
Tongue Fungus
Tongue and oral fungus is a medical condition caused by a type of fungus that typically lives naturally in the human mouth. However, it can grow excessively and abnormally, leading to this type of health problem.
Causes of Recurrent Tongue Fungus
The cause of oral fungus in adults and children is the overgrowth of Candida albicans, which naturally resides in the mouth in small, harmless amounts. In some cases, the balance of microorganisms in the mouth may be disrupted due to various factors, resulting in a decrease in beneficial bacteria responsible for suppressing the growth of this fungus. This leads to its overgrowth and infection.
The most prominent causes of oral fungus and risk factors include:
- Weakened immunity, such as in infants, newborns, AIDS patients, and individuals undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy in the head and neck area.
- Diabetes, especially when blood sugar levels are not well-controlled, as high sugar levels weaken the immune system’s ability to fight infections.
- Dentures, where poor oral hygiene or ill-fitting dentures can increase the risk of oral fungus.
Certain medications can also increase the likelihood of oral fungus, including:
- Antibiotics, especially with prolonged use, as they may eliminate beneficial bacteria in the mouth.
- Inhaled corticosteroids, as residue from cortisone in the mouth after using an inhaler can reduce local immunity and disrupt the microbial balance.
- Medications that suppress immunity, such as cortisone, especially with long-term, high-dose use.
Risk Factors for Tongue Fungus
The chances of developing oral Candida infection increase in the following cases:
- HIV infection.
- Use of medications that weaken immunity, such as chemotherapy, radiation, inhaled steroids (used for asthma attacks), or immunosuppressive drugs for autoimmune diseases.
- Overuse of antibiotics (which eliminate beneficial bacteria).
- Medical conditions causing immune weakness, such as cancer or uncontrolled diabetes.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Smoking.
- Iron or vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Poor oral hygiene.
- Wearing dentures.
- Medical conditions causing dry mouth.
- Infants and the elderly are also at higher risk due to weaker immunity.
Symptoms of Tongue and Oral Fungus
The primary symptom of oral fungus is the appearance of white patches inside the mouth, on the inner cheeks, gums, tongue, and possibly extending to the tonsils and back of the throat.
In adults, these white patches are thick, creamy, or white in color, and may merge to form larger yellowish or gray patches. In children, oral fungus appears as a white layer on the tongue resembling cottage cheese or milk curds.
Other signs and symptoms of oral fungus include:
- Slight bleeding when attempting to scrape or brush off the white patches.
- Pain or a burning sensation in the mouth, causing difficulty chewing and swallowing.
- Redness and swelling inside the mouth, as well as inflammation of the tongue and gums.
- A cotton-like feeling in the mouth.
- A bad or metallic taste in the mouth.
- Loss of ability to taste food.
- Dry mouth and cracked corners of the mouth.
- Tooth pain.
- Bad breath.
In children, symptoms of oral fungus may also include irritability, frequent crying, difficulty feeding, and severe pain or cracking in the mother’s nipple if the infection spreads during breastfeeding.
In some cases, oral fungus may spread to the esophagus, a condition known as esophageal candidiasis, where a white layer coats the esophagus, causing severe pain, difficulty swallowing, and a sensation of something stuck in the throat or chest.
Symptoms of Oral Thrush in Children
Oral thrush may not cause symptoms in its early stages, but as the infection worsens, one or more of the following symptoms may appear:
- Raised white or yellowish patches on the inner cheeks, tongue, tonsils, gums, or lips.
- Patches resembling cottage cheese.
- Formation of plaques when the patches merge.
- Redness and swelling of the oral mucous membrane, which may later turn gray or yellow.
- Slight bleeding if the patches are scraped.
- Discomfort and burning sensation in the mouth.
- A cotton-like feeling in the mouth.
- Dryness and cracking at the corners of the mouth.
- A bad taste in the mouth.
- Loss of taste.
- Pain and redness under dentures.
- A red, painless area in the center of the tongue.
- Gum inflammation and redness.
In severe cases, oral thrush may affect the esophagus, causing:
- Difficulty swallowing.
- A feeling of food being stuck in the throat or mid-chest.
- Fever, if the infection spreads beyond the esophagus.
Medical Treatment for Tongue Fungus
Treatment of oral fungus primarily depends on identifying and addressing the underlying cause.
The treatment varies based on age, infection severity, and overall health. Mild cases may resolve on their own without treatment, while others may require antifungal medications to eliminate the infection.
For healthy adults with mild to moderate infections, topical antifungals are used, such as creams, mouthwashes, or lozenges like miconazole. In severe cases, systemic antifungals are prescribed, either orally or intravenously, such as fluconazole.
Notably, oral fungus in infants and young children often does not require treatment. However, if the infection persists, a doctor may prescribe an appropriate antifungal for children, as well as an antifungal cream to treat any infection transferred to the mother’s breast.
Home Treatment for Tongue Fungus
Certain home remedies can help alleviate symptoms of oral fungus until recovery, including:
- Drinking cold fluids or eating ice pops.
- Rinsing with warm saltwater.
- Rinsing with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water.
- Brushing teeth and tongue daily with a soft toothbrush, replacing the toothbrush daily until the infection clears.
- Disinfecting dentures if worn.
- Consuming foods rich in beneficial bacteria, such as yogurt, to restore microbial balance in the mouth.
For children, the following tips can help:
- Sterilize feeding bottles by boiling them in water for 10 minutes after each use.
- Clean and dry the mother’s nipple thoroughly if breastfeeding.
- Ensure the child gets enough fluids to prevent dehydration.
How to Prevent Tongue Fungus
Taking certain measures can help prevent oral fungus in at-risk individuals, including:
- Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing teeth twice daily and using dental floss.
- Cleaning gums and tongue with a soft toothbrush if wearing dentures, keeping dentures clean, avoiding wearing them at night, and consulting a dentist if they don’t fit properly.
- Regularly sterilizing feeding bottles and pacifiers to reduce the risk of oral fungus in infants and newborns.
- Avoiding antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription and adhering to the prescribed dosage if taken.
- Rinsing the mouth with water immediately after using inhaled corticosteroids.
- Keeping blood sugar levels within the normal range for diabetic patients.
- Drinking enough water daily and following a balanced, healthy diet.
- Avoiding smoking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tongue Fungus Dangerous?
Most cases of oral fungus heal within two weeks, either spontaneously or with proper treatment. However, the infection may recur if treatment is not followed, especially in cases of weakened immunity, where serious health complications can occur. In newborns and infants, most cases resolve within two weeks, but the infection may recur if feeding bottles or pacifiers are not sterilized, or if the infection transfers to the mother’s nipple.
Does Lemon Eliminate Oral Fungus?
Although using lemon to treat mouth sores is not recommended, it may have benefits for fungal infections like oral thrush due to its natural antifungal properties. Lemon can support the recovery process for those affected by this health issue.
Does Salt Kill Oral Fungus?
Saltwater has antiseptic and soothing properties and is a common home remedy for many oral and dental issues, including tongue fungus. Gargling with saltwater can help relieve symptoms of Candida infections.
Does Tahini Treat Oral Fungus?
Tahini is a popular natural remedy for relieving pain and symptoms of mouth sores, thanks to its content of sesame seeds and sesame oil, which are strong antioxidants. Selenium, another component, acts as an antioxidant and helps reduce inflammation in the body.
Does Clove Eliminate Tongue Fungus?
To use cloves for treating oral fungus, soak ground cloves in a cup of boiling water for 5 minutes, strain the mixture, and rinse the mouth with it before spitting it out.
Is Mint Beneficial for Oral Fungus?
Mint helps maintain oral health due to its antibacterial properties. Chewing mint leaves can kill bacteria that cause tooth decay, as it doesn’t provide sugary food for bacteria, making their survival harder. Chewing mint leaves also stimulates saliva production, offering additional benefits for oral health.