What it is
It is usually treated with antifungal gel, drops or tablets. Treating any cause, such as badly fitting dentures, helps stop it coming back.
Rinsing your mouth after using a steroid inhaler and keeping dentures clean can help prevent it.
Common signs
- White patches in the mouth that may wipe off
- Redness or soreness inside the mouth
- Cracks at the corners of the mouth
- An unpleasant taste or loss of taste
- Pain when eating or drinking
How it is usually diagnosed
- Looking inside the mouth
- Sometimes a swab
- Blood tests if it keeps coming back
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Swab results
- Prescriptions
- Dentist or GP notes
Questions to ask your doctor
- What might be causing it?
- How long should the treatment take?
- What should I do if it comes back?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Difficulty swallowing, or thrush with a weakened immune system that is getting worse: see a doctor the same day
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.