What Causes Thrush?
A bacterium is generally considered a “friend” since it protects the mouth from conditions such as thrush. However, it becomes an enemy when a different kind of bacteria infiltrates the mouth causing an imbalance that allows Candida to grow at a rapid pace. There are many conditions that can cause thrush. Let’s take a look at some of them.
A weak Immune System can cause thrush. An illness or disease can render the immune system helpless in defense against Candida. Such is the case of older individuals who, for whatever reason, develop chronic diseases and cannot easily fight off certain illnesses. Conversely, the very young have not yet developed their immune system and they are just as susceptible to thrush. Thrush may appear in infants up to seven days after birth. Moreover, if the mother has a Yeast Infection and is ready to give birth, the child can be born with thrush.
Diabetics are not immune to thrush because their sugar level is so high that it invites the rapid growth of Candida. So too, individuals with HIV/AIDS have a high incidence of thrush due to the very nature of their illness.
Oral hygiene, when not kept in check, can also contribute to thrush. Older people are particularly vulnerable, especially those who wear dentures. In fact, studies show that people who wear dentures and have developed thrush can spread this condition to others. This may occur if someone touches the dentures that contain the yeast and then touch their mouth.
Pregnant women run the risk of developing thrush because of the hormonal changes that normally occur.
Thrush can be exchanged through body fluids when engaging in oral sex. Smoking can also cause thrush since fighting off infections is minimized.
Other factors that contribute to thrush are antibiotic medications and corticosteroids. They, too, create an imbalance of bacteria in the mouth.
While thrush is not usually contagious, it can affect a nursing mother who can develop a yeast infection on the breast and nipples. It can also pass from one child to another. Small children love putting toys or other objects in their mouths. If they have thrush and another child in the family also plays with the same toy in the same fashion, that child could also develop thrush.
The good news is that thrush is treatable. It becomes serious, however, if it is not attended to and spreads to the esophagus and bloodstream. Prevention of thrush can be easily attained by simply ensuring that you maintain your Health, promote proper hygiene among members of your family, and become fully aware of the signs that indicate you or someone in your family may be susceptible to this condition.