There are numerous reasons why the mucous membranes become infected. One of the most common reasons is the outbreak of the fungus, Candida albicans and to a lesser extent bacteria or disease my develop. When babies get a yeast infection in the mouth they usually call it thrush and when adults get it, it’s called Candidiasis or moniliasis.

Candida is a yeast-like fungus that occurs naturally in small quantities in the human digestive system and in women’s vaginal region. It is also the same Candida fungus that causes yeast infections in women, and yeast infection in the mouth. This happens when the Candida organism, which is present in small numbers in a healthy person, grows out of control. The fungus invades the membranes lining the mouth and throat, and secretes toxic substances which may cause a painful burning feeling.

An oral yeast infection can be triggered by a variety of factors. Antibiotics can do it, for instance. Other long-term drug treatments, such as chemotherapy, can also increase vulnerability to yeast infections by making the body a more fertile environment for Candida to grow in. The drugs weaken the immune system by killing off many of the so called good bacteria that keep fungi like Candida in check. Thus a course of drug treatments can increase the chance of yeast infection occurring.

Conditions that affect the immune system, such as diabetes, malnutrition and drug abuse, trigger changes that increase the likelihood of Candida growth. Yeast infections in the mouth are more common in young children and the elderly. The immune systems of babies and seniors are not strong enough to fend off small changes.

People with poorly fitting dentures are prime candidates for developing a yeast infection in the mouth. The mouth’s mucous membranes are more likely to be damaged due to dentures that do not fit properly. These damaged areas may provide the gateway for Candida fungi to take hold and cause a problem.

One of the more common symptoms of yeast infection in the mouth is a discharge that could be white or cream-colored. Sometimes yellow spots appear in the mouth too, indicating that the mucous membranes within the mouth have been infected or inflamed. The next stage is often a burning sensation in the throat and mouth of the sufferer. This can be extremely painful and will require some form of medication.

In treating the infection, the problem’s origin must be first addressed. For instance, if dentures are the trigger for the infection then you have to replace them. With this completed you can then deal with treating the problem. In most cases this involves taking antifungal medications to reduce or remove the fungi from the mouth and throat. Mostly, antifungal drugs for treating yeast infection in the mouth are in the form of pastilles. By sucking on them, the anti fungal medicine is delivered directly to the infection.