Candida albicans is normally found on skin and mucus membranes of gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. It is relatively harmless in small numbers and its numbers are kept in check by the friendly organisms like Lactobacillus. When there is a change in balance of these organisms in the mouth, Candida can grow exponentially resulting in overgrowth and causing yeast infection of the tongue, also known as oral thrush. The yeast infection causes the tongue to acquire a typical white coating. Sometimes, the yeast infection may cause the tongue to become red without the white coating. When the coating is wiped off, the underlying red tissue is revealed. If the yeast infection reaches the esophagus, there may be pain and difficulty in swallowing. Other symptoms that may indicate a yeast infection include a craving for sugar, alcohol, or bread; digestive problems; fatigue; depression; and muscle or joint pains.
Yeast
infection of the tongue
is generally found in infants or old people.
Predisposing factors could be a serious underlying
disease, such as cancer or HIV infection, diabetes, dry
mouth due to disease of the salivary glands or
medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, and
diuretics, ill-fitting or unclean dentures, smoking,
nutritional deficiencies of iron or vitamin B, inhaled
corticosteroids used in the treatment of asthma, or
overzealous use of antibiotics.
Tongue
yeast infection is easy to treat and treatment should be
started immediately the diagnosis is confirmed to
prevent the infection from reaching other parts of the
body. Vitamins and acidophilus are immediately
prescribed along with an anti-Candida diet and
antifungals like nystatin, ketoconazole, candicidin, or
Amphotericin B. natural remedies include grapefruit seed
extract, capricin tea, grape seed oil, and gentian. The
anti-Candida diet strictly excludes alcohol, sugar,
white flour, and refined or processed carbohydrates.
Fruit, milk, as well as dried, fermented foods are best
avoided. Oral hygiene is extremely important. Floss
teeth regularly and sterilize toothbrush in household
hydrogen peroxide or 70 percent alcohol for a few
minutes to prevent re-contamination. Discarding old
toothbrush every month is also recommended. Taking
probiotic Lactobacillus
acidophilus is safe and
inexpensive.
Generally
not serious but yeast infection of the tongue
could be a sign of systemic Candidiasis. Candidiasis is
a complex disease and left untreated can cause
widespread damage. It manifests itself in myriad
different ways and taking antifungal medications is
harmful and not very effective in the long run. To
permanently rid the body of yeast overgrowth, it is best
to visit a holistic medicine practitioner who will chart
out a treatment program depending on your lifestyle,
symptoms, mental makeup, and habits.
