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Who Can Get Thrush?

June 09, 2015

Thrush is a fungal infection that creates creamy white lesions inside of the mouth. This infection is caused by an excess of the Candida fungus, a type of yeast. Though anyone can develop oral thrush, some people are more susceptible to it than others. Here are the ones who are more likely to get thrush and what they can do to prevent it.

Who Can Get Thrush?

Some individuals are more at risk to developing thrush than others. These individuals include:

  • The elderly
  • Young children
  • Individuals who wear dentures
  • Those with a weak immune system due to diabetes, leukemia, HIV/AIDS, etc.
  • Individuals who have a problem with dry mouth
  • Those who have recently received antibiotic treatment (disrupting the natural balance of bacteria in the body)

What Can They Do To Prevent It?

Candida is naturally present in your body, but an overproduction of it can result in thrush. The above individuals should take extra care in preventing thrush by:

  • Brushing teeth twice a day
  • Flossing teeth once a day
  • Cleaning dentures once a day
  • Remedying problems with dry mouth
  • Visiting your dentist for 6 month check-ups

If you do develop thrush, see your dentist as soon as possible. They may recommend an antifungal medication to get rid of the thrush.