Did you know that a white tongue is one of the signs of Candida infection?
What Causes a White Tongue?
If your tongue is coated in white, it means you have an overgrowth of the papillae on its surface. This is usually not a cause for concern. However, sometimes this overgrowth is one of the first signs of Candida infection.
Candida infection that manifests in the mouth is called oral thrush. Here are the major symptoms you should look out for:
- White lesions on the tongue, gums and inner cheeks. It’s important to note that these lesions start bleeding very easily. Hence, bleeding gums are another frequent symptom.
- The white lesions extend to the throat as well.
- Soreness and swelling, which can make it difficult to swallow or chew.
- If you have this infection, the edges of your mouth may become red and prone to bleeding.
- People with oral thrush also experience loss of taste and a cottony sensation in the mouth. A dry mouth is common as well.
Who Is Especially Sensitive to Oral Thrush?
People who have weakened immune systems should be particularly careful to react to the first signs of Candida infection.
This includes people with autoimmune disorders as well as diabetes. Going through organ transplantation or cancer treatment can also heighten your chances of developing oral thrush. Children and elderly adults are at an increased risk too.
To prevent oral thrush, you should make sure to take care of your teeth and gums. Foods that contain sugar can encourage Candida growth, so diet alterations can be a good idea as well.
