Treatment, Diagnosis, and Prescriptions for Oral Thrush

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Can a doctor treat oral thrush on Laso MD?

Certainly, in some cases, a doctor on Laso MD can provide an oral thrush diagnosis by discussing your symptoms and evaluating your condition.

Occasionally, the doctor may recommend a visit to a clinic or dental specialist for further examination, such as taking scrapings of any lesions to evaluate under a microscope or conducting blood tests to determine underlying causes of oral thrush.

 

Can I get a prescription on Laso MD?

Yes, our physicians can prescribe medications online during your consultation. Upon accepting a prescription, you’ll have the choice to pick it up from any pharmacy or have it delivered to your door at no additional cost.

For more information, visit our How it Works page.

 

What is oral thrush?

Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of the Candida albicans fungus within the lining of the mouth. While this fungus is normally present in the mouth, it can overgrow in certain cases, leading to this infection.

Oral thrush is commonly found in babies, seniors, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

 

What does oral thrush look like?

Typically, oral thrush manifests as creamy-looking white lesions on the tongue, gums, back of the throat, or tonsils. It may also appear as cracks or redness in the corners of the mouth.

 

What are the symptoms of oral thrush?

Common symptoms of oral thrush include:

  • White, creamy-looking lesions inside the mouth or throat
  • Slight bleeding if lesions are scraped or broken
  • Cracking or redness in the corners of the mouth
  • Loss of taste
  • Cotton-like feeling inside the mouth
  • Redness, irritation, or pain beneath dentures
  • Raised lesions with a cottage cheese appearance
  • Difficulty eating or swallowing
  • White or yellow patches on the inner cheeks or tongue
  • Soreness in the mouth or throat

 

What causes oral thrush?

While Candida albicans fungus is normally present in the mouth and controlled by the body’s immune defense systems, certain conditions can increase the risk of oral thrush. Some specific risk factors include:

  • Diabetes
  • Wearing dentures (especially upper dentures)
  • Vaginal yeast infections
  • Certain drugs (inhaled corticosteroids, antibiotics affecting microorganisms, prednisone)
  • A weakened or underdeveloped immune system

 

How is oral thrush treated?

Typically, oral thrush treatment for healthy adults and children involves antifungal medication to reduce the fungus’s growth and restore it to healthy levels. This approach is also applicable for those with weakened immune systems.

For nursing mothers with infants, there’s a risk of transmitting the fungal infection through breastfeeding. In such cases, a Laso MD doctor may suggest mild antifungal medication for the infant and an antifungal cream or ointment for the mother’s breasts.

Non-medicinal remedies to reduce oral thrush symptoms include:

  • Maintaining good oral hygiene
  • Warm salt-water rinses
  • Disinfecting dentures before use
  • Using nursing pads when breastfeeding to prevent the spread of the fungus to clothes

 

How long does oral thrush last without treatment?

Without treatment, oral thrush usually clears up on its own within approximately two weeks.

If it persists beyond two weeks, consult with a doctor to explore potential oral thrush treatment options. For infants suspected of having oral thrush, contacting a pediatrician or general practitioner is recommended.

 

Is oral thrush contagious?

No, oral thrush is not considered contagious.

Since Candida albicans fungus is naturally present in the mouth, the infection results from the body’s inability to regulate the growth and spread of this fungus.

Additionally, despite being a yeast infection, oral thrush cannot be spread through oral sex, either performing or receiving.

 

What is Laso MD?

With Laso MD, you can initiate a conversation with a doctor about your symptoms within minutes. We are a healthcare app offering fast, convenient 24/7 access to Canadian doctors.

Simply log in, request a consultation with a tap of a button, and we’ll connect you to a doctor through live chat or video. Explore more about our services on our How it Works page.

Our doctors can assess symptoms and provide treatment, including prescriptions as necessary.

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