There are a large number of micro-organisms that live in our bodies on a regular basis which are generally harmless. However, depending on the conditions they find in the place where they are housed, they can become pathological, producing infections that affect our oral and/or general health.

Oral candidiasis is a common fungal infection, mainly caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. This micro-organism forms part of our normal oral flora (between 7 and 65%), but when it proliferates in excess due to an alteration in the physical barriers or in the patient’s defences, this is when the signs and symptoms that mainly affect the mouth and throat begin.

Anyone can suffer from oral candidiasis, but it tends to be more common in older people. This is due to multiple factors, such as increased consumption of medication, poor dental and oral hygiene, immunosuppression, certain poorly controlled diseases such as diabetes, tobacco use, incorrect use of prostheses, or treatment with antibiotics or corticoids, to mention a few.

Lesions caused by the fungus Candida albicans often appear as white or reddish velvety plaques on the mucosa of the mouth or tongue, and may affect the roof of the mouth, the gums or the back of the oral cavity.

In addition, redness, bleeding or inflammation of these plaques can be observed, which can cause pain or difficulty when eating, drinking or swallowing, and can even lead to changes in the sense of taste. This is why they can be a major source of discomfort for those affected, and can significantly affect their wellbeing and quality of life.

Despite these symptoms, oral candidiasis does not usually cause serious complications, except in patients who may have a very weak immune system. In these cases, the possible spread of the fungus to other parts of the body must be controlled in order to prevent it from causing more serious general health problems, especially in cases where there are previous pathologies.

The question is; is there anything we can do to prevent oral candidiasis? There are a number of very relevant preventive measures that will also help to improve the wellbeing of those affected.

Maintain proper oral hygiene: brushing teeth at least twice a day, regular use of dental floss or interproximal brushes, and regular mouth rinses can help prevent fungal and bacterial overgrowth in the mouth.

Keeping dentures in good condition: removing dentures every night, keeping them clean and checking that they fit properly, avoiding possible irritation or injury, is a major factor in preventing the development of candidiasis and other oral lesions.

Avoid tobacco and alcohol: regular and excessive consumption of tobacco and alcohol can weaken the immune system, thereby increasing the risk of infections, including oral candidiasis.

Maintain a balanced and healthy diet: a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can help strengthen the immune system and therefore reduce the risk of infections.

Maintain good hydration: drinking enough water can help keep the mouth moist and reduce the risk of xerostomia or dry mouth, a common side effect of certain medications, and one of the factors that can increase the risk of oral candidiasis.

Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics: antibiotics can upset the balance of microorganisms in the mouth and body, so it is very important to take them only when prescribed by a medical professional in cases where they are really necessary.

Manage use of inhaled corticosteroids: for people using inhaled corticosteroids to treat asthma or other respiratory failures, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions and rinse the mouth after each use to reduce the risk of oral candidiasis.

Controlling underlying medical conditions: it is also important to keep medical conditions such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS or any other disease that may weaken the immune system under control, as this may promote the development of oral candidiasis.

Avoid direct contact with the saliva of infected persons: in settings where oral candidiasis is common, it is important to avoid sharing utensils, toothbrushes or other objects that may be in direct contact with the saliva of infected persons.

Regular dental check-ups: scheduling regular check-ups with your dentist can help detect any early signs of candidiasis or other oral conditions, and ensure that you can receive appropriate treatment as early as possible.

Although prevention is fundamental, in cases where lesions such as those described above are observed, the best and most recommended option is to contact the dentist in order to make a correct diagnosis and begin treatment of these conditions as soon as possible.

The main objective of the treatment is to prevent the spread of the fungus, to remit the infection and to give instructions on how to deal with possible recurrences. The first and most important action will be to know the cause of the present infection in order to eliminate it, and then proceed to the supply of topical or oral antifungals to achieve it.

But as we always remember from Lura Care, maintaining optimal oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits are the best recommendations that we can follow preventively if we want to preserve our oral health and thus enjoy a good quality of life.