Talking, singing, eating, laughing, kissing… our mouth is one of the most versatile and useful parts of our body, which we use in many different ways in order to adapt to our environment. It is a highly innervated area of the body over which we have a great capacity of control.

And yet it is also a very delicate part of our organism and is often in contact with bacteria and elements from both inside (such as the intestinal flora) and outside. Sometimes it is possible that we may suffer from some kind of infection or problem, one of the possible causes being the appearance of fungus in the mouth .

Throughout this article we will see what are the main symptoms that warn us of the presence of a possible oral fungal infection, some of its possible causes and how they can be treated.

Mushrooms in the mouth: what are they?

We talk about fungal infections when we refer to the existence of a series of symptoms derived from the presence of different species of fungi in our body. These infections can occur in any part of the body, such as the skin or the genital system, and in the case we are dealing with in this article also in one of the most exposed openings of the body and in contact with external elements or with microbes dedicated to processing food: the mouth.

There are many fungi that can reach our bodies, and among them many have the capacity to cause infections. Some of the best known and most common oral fungi are Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis , which can cause oral candidiasis. Other examples are Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (which exists in Latin America and penetrates the body by inhaling its spores in the breath) or Cryptococcus neoformans .

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Symptoms

Fungal infection in the mouth is usually initially asymptomatic , which means that at first the affected person may not perceive any alteration or discomfort. However, as these fungi grow and multiply, they can cause various forms of discomfort and injury.

Among these lesions and alterations are frequent the presence of inflammation and/or bleeding in gums and/or tongue, mouth or throat pain , appearance of white plaques (which are removed with the scraping and leave behind bleeding lesions) or reddish or bleeding lesions, cracks and canker sores on the tongue or lips, and bad breath. They are usually not dangerous, but some caution should be exercised because in some cases they can lead to serious complications and infections and inflammation in various organs.

How do they get there? Risk factors for their occurrence

The appearance of fungi at the oral level does not have a unique and clear cause, but can be given and influenced by a wide variety of factors. In general, if it is possible, it is because in the subject’s mouth there are sufficient conditions for the fungi to grow. This does not have to imply a lack of hygiene , but it can also be different diseases or even our lifestyle and diet which facilitates the existence of the necessary elements for the survival of the fungus.

There are multiple factors that facilitate infection. Among them we can find the presence of diabetes (in which there is also a higher concentration of sugars in saliva, something that serves as food) or anemia, in addition to congenital or acquired immunodeficiency (since the lack of nutrients such as vitamins and / or immune system defenses facilitates the survival of the fungus).

Likewise, also the excessive intake or consumption of certain foods favours the birth and reproduction of fungi. Endocrine and hormonal disorders or alterations may also be factors that influence their appearance or maintenance. Finally, the consumption of substances, whether or not they are adulterated, helps greatly in their appearance, especially in the case of tobacco or alcohol.

Lack of dental hygiene or the existence of dentures or areas that are difficult to access when cleaning the mouth also increases the likelihood of suffering from them. Some diseases such as leukemia or other infections may also favor them, due to the existence of a lower response of the immune system.

Likewise, some drugs can lead to oral mycosis , such as some antibiotics or steroids (including some that are vaporized or aspirated). Chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment can also be used, as they reduce the defences.

In addition, it must be taken into account that there are vital periods of greater vulnerability, among which the first moments after birth, early childhood, old age or pregnancy stand out. In general, changes generated at the hormonal level or the lowering of defences or substances capable of fighting or stopping the fungus are considerable risk factors.

Treatment

Treating the presence of fungi in the mouth will require a specific approach depending on the fungus and the presence of other factors such as possible comorbid diseases. However, in general, antifungal or antifungal medications can be used, which can act by slowing down their growth or directly killing them.

Some of these drugs may be nystatin (one of the most widely used, especially in thrush) or cyclopiroxolamine. Systemic treatments such as ketoconazole can also be applied (although the latter, depending on the quantities, can be hepatotoxic). However, it should be noted that these drugs must be prescribed by a doctor and that some cannot be taken by pregnant women or people with certain basic health problems, for example.

It is also necessary to take into account the need for prevention or to add to the diet foods that favour the control of the oral pH, such as yoghurt, or allow the acquisition of vitamins, fibres and nutrients that help to maintain the body in good balance. Brushing and proper dental hygiene are also helpful. In cases where there are diseases such as those mentioned, it should also be taken into account that it is necessary to treat them with the corresponding methods.

Bibliographic references:

  • Caballero Martínez, F.; Jurado Moreno, J. and López Rocha, A. (2005). Guide to good clinical practice in fungal infections. Spanish College Medical Organization. Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs. Spain.
  • Pardi, G.H.; Mata, S.; Colella, M.T., Roselló, A. and Pineda, V. (2013). Mycosis of the oral cavity – Part I. Bibliographical Reviews. Venezuelan Dental Record, 51 (2).