Oral Health Enemy: Candida Albicans
Candida Albicans is the most common form of Candida, a pathogenic yeast. It is the main culprit of Candidiasis, a fungal infection commonly known as thrush.(1) Candida commonly lives on mucous membranes like the throat, mouth, gut, and vagina without causing any trouble. However, if the environment inside the mouth, throat, or esophagus changes in a way that encourages fungal growth, Candida can multiply and cause an infection.(2)
There are certain symptoms that can be a sign of Candidiasis. People who wear dental appliances are at a higher particular risk of suffering from problems derived from uncontrolled Candida Albicans. In this article we’ll give you a few tips as to how to reduce your risk of suffering from this type of infection.
Candida Infections Symptoms
Usual symptoms for Candidiasis include pain while eating or swallowing, soreness, a cotton-like feeling in the mouth, white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, palate, or throat. Some other common symptoms are loss of taste (ageusia), and cracking or redness at the corners of the mouth (perioral dermatitis).(3)
Oral Candida Albicans In Patients Who Wear Dentures
According to a study conducted by the Medical University of Biaystok (Poland), oral Candida Albicans was more prevalent in patients with dentures (cancer and non-cancer, diabetic and non-diabetic patients) than in non-denture wearers.(4) These types of research have shown denture wearers to be at a higher risk of suffering from uncontrolled Candida Albicans. Thus, prevention is paramount.
Prevention
Maintaining optimal hygiene is the best way to prevent oral Candidiasis. If you wear dentures, keep them as clean as possible. Remember that the area beneath dentures is dark, warm, and moist, making it an ideal breeding ground for Candida Albicans.(5) Therefore, always remove your dentures and properly disinfect them overnight.
On the other hand, if you use inhaled anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids, you must rinse your mouth and brush your teeth after using them. Corticosteroids may locally weaken the body’s defenses, presenting an opportunity for Candida Albicans to multiply. It is also essential to manage stress and eat a well-balanced diet.(6)
Victoria encourages you to visit your physician if you ever feel any of the symptoms mentioned above. Denture cleanser tablets, are excellent for eliminating Candida Albicans, helping to prevent oral yeast infections. They also help eliminate odor-causing germs and other undesirable microorganisms that can cause you problems in the future. You can even leave your dentures on its green, disinfecting solution overnight, and have them fresh and clean for the next day.
References:
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Candidiasis. Retrieved on October 19,
2022: https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/index.html
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Candida infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus. Retrieved on October 19, 2022: https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/- candidiasis/thrush/index.html
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Candida infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus. Retrieved on October 19, 2022: https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/- candidiasis/thrush/index.html
[4] Department of Microbiology, Medical University of Białystok. Occurrence rate of oral Candida albicans in denture wearer patients. Retrieved on October 19, 2022: https://eu- ropepmc.org/article/med/17458064
[5] American Academy of Oral Medicine. Oral Yeast Infections. Retrieved on October 19, 2022: https://www.aaom.com/oral-yeast-infections
[6] Cleveland Clinic. Candida Albicans. Retrieved on October 19, 2022: https://my.cleve- landclinic.org/health/diseases/22961-candida-albicans
