Every now and then a patient visits with white bumps on their tongue. These lesions appear to be creamy white and can also occur in the cheeks and the roof of the mouth. They are caused by a yeast called candida fungus that appears more often in infants and in those with weakened or compromised immune systems.
Candida fungus is a yeast that is natural to our bodies, but sometimes the proper balance gets impacted by medications, stress, or other illnesses. When this happens, thrush can appear.
The raised white bumps can cause pain and may bleed when scraped or brushed. If not treated promptly, the fungus can move to the liver, lungs, and other parts of the body.
If you’re concerned that you might have oral thrush, it’s important to visit a dentist or doctor for further diagnosis. The doctor may treat the problem with antifungal medications that can be taken for a couple of weeks. To prevent thrush from occurring in the first place, it’s important to always practice good hygiene, visit the dentist regularly for cleaning, and get treatment for major medical problems that may bring levels of yeast out of balance.
If you have any questions about your dental health or if you would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact our team or make an appointment. Our incredible staff will give you the best dental care possible.