The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Oral Candidiasis

Fungal infection of the oral mucosa caused by Candida species, common in immunocompromised patients.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı department. Book Appointment →

What is Oral Candidiasis?

Oral candidiasis (oral thrush) is a fungal infection of the oral mucosa most commonly caused by Candida albicans, with C. glabrata and C. tropicalis as less common pathogens. It manifests in several clinical forms: pseudomembranous (white removable plaques), erythematous (red atrophic mucosa), hyperplastic (white non-removable patches) and angular cheilitis at mouth corners.

Predisposing factors include immunosuppression (HIV, diabetes, malignancy, corticosteroids), broad-spectrum antibiotics, dentures, xerostomia, smoking, infancy, advanced age and inhaled corticosteroids. In healthy adults, isolated oral candidiasis without obvious predisposing factor warrants HIV testing. Treatment is typically topical antifungals for mild cases and systemic agents (fluconazole) for moderate to severe disease.

Symptoms

White removable plaques on tongue, palate, buccal mucosa
Burning or soreness of mouth and throat
Altered taste (cottony, metallic, bitter)
Difficulty swallowing (suggests esophageal involvement)
Red atrophic patches (erythematous form)
Angular cheilitis (cracking at mouth corners)
White non-removable patches (hyperplastic form)
Denture stomatitis under upper denture

Risk Factors

HIV infection or other immunodeficiency
Diabetes mellitus
Recent broad-spectrum antibiotics
Inhaled or systemic corticosteroids
Cancer chemotherapy
Xerostomia (Sjogren, radiation, medications)
Dentures (especially poorly fitting or unclean)
Infancy and elderly
Smoking
Iron, folate or B12 deficiency

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • White patches in mouth that scrape off
  • Burning mouth or throat pain
  • Difficulty swallowing food or liquids
  • Cracking and redness at corners of mouth
  • Recurrent oral infections
  • Persistent symptoms despite over-the-counter treatment
  • Symptoms in immunocompromised patient

Treatment Methods

01
Clinical diagnosis based on appearance
02
KOH preparation showing yeast and pseudohyphae
03
Culture for resistant or atypical cases
04
Topical nystatin oral suspension 5 mL 4 times daily
05
Topical clotrimazole troches (10 mg) 5 times daily
06
Oral fluconazole 100-200 mg daily 7-14 days for moderate disease
07
Itraconazole or posaconazole for fluconazole-resistant cases
08
Treatment of underlying predisposing factors
09
Denture cleaning and removal at night
10
HIV testing in adults without obvious cause
11
Iron and vitamin supplementation if deficient

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Diş Çürüğü

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

Diş çürüğü, ağız bakterilerinin şekeri fermente ederek ürettiği asitlerin diş minesi, dentin ve pulpayı tahrip etmesiyle oluşan kronik bir hastalıktır.

Diş Eti Hastalıkları (Periodontal Hastalıklar)

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

Periodontal hastalıklar, diş eti (gingivit) ve diş çevresindeki kemik ile bağ dokusunun (periodontit) bakteri kaynaklı iltihabıdır; tedavi edilmezse diş kaybına neden olur.

Impacted Tooth

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

An impacted tooth — most often a wisdom tooth — has not erupted fully and remains in the jaw bone or gum. It can lead to pericoronitis, caries and cysts.

Dental Implants

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

A dental implant is a titanium screw placed in the jawbone that supports a crown, bridge or denture, providing the closest possible function and aesthetics to a natural tooth.

Teeth Whitening

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

Teeth whitening lightens tooth color using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gels. In-office (professional) bleaching uses higher concentrations with light activation for faster results; home bleaching uses custom trays with lower concentrations over 1–4 weeks. Safety depends on healthy teeth, correct concentration, isolation of gums and transient sensitivity management.

Orthodontics

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

Orthodontics is the dental specialty that corrects the alignment of the teeth and jaws, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits at any age, from childhood through adulthood.

Gingival Recession (Gum Recession)

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

Gingival recession is the apical displacement of the gingival margin with exposure of the root surface. It may be localized or generalized and results from mechanical trauma, periodontal disease, thin biotype or anatomic factors. Recession can cause root sensitivity, caries and aesthetic concerns; management includes cause elimination and surgical root coverage when indicated.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

Halitosis is a chronic problem that affects a substantial part of the population. It is most often of oral origin and can interfere with social interactions.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.