INFECTIONS
ORAL
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ORAL INFECTIONS
Oral infections can be caused by the overgrowth of Candida(a dysmorphic yeast) in the mouth, affecting not only soft tissues but also the dental part of the oral cavity. These infections cause white patches, redness, and discomfort, and are treatable with medications such as antifungals.1
References:
1.
Taylor M, Brizuela M, Raja A. Oral Candidiasis. [Updated 2023 Jul 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.
Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545282/
OROPHARYNGEAL & ESOPHAGEAL CANDIDIASIS
Candida infections of the mouth and throat primarily affect immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV, undergoing chemotherapy, or on immunosuppressive therapy. Oropharyngeal candidiasis presents as creamy white or red patches on the tongue, buccal mucosa, and pharynx, while esophageal candidiasis involves infection of the throat and esophagus, causing painful swallowing, sore throat, and retrosternal discomfort. Esophageal candidiasis accounts for up to 88% of infectious esophagitis cases.
References:
1.
per oropharyngealcandidiasis: Pankhurst CL. Candidiasis(oropharyngeal). BMJ Clin Evid. 2013 Nov8;2013:1304/
1.
per Esophagealcandidiasis: Mohamed AA, Lu XL, MounminFA. Diagnosisand Treatment of EsophagealCandidiasis: CurrentUpdates. Can J GastroenterolHepatol.
2019 Oct20;2019:3585136. doi: 10.1155/2019/3585136
NEWBORN THRUSH
Newborn Thrush (Neonatal Oral Candidiasis) is a frequent form of oral candidiasis in neonates and infants, occurring in up to 37% of newborns under the age of six months. Characterized by white, velvety plaques on the tongue, inner cheeks, and palate, it may result from incomplete immune development, maternal transfer during breastfeeding, or antibiotic exposure.1
References:
1.
El-DawyEGAM, BaddarA, GherbawyYA, YasseinAS. Characterizationand virulenceof yeastsassociated with neonatalthrush. BMC Microbiol. 2025 Jun26;25(1):366. doi: 10.1186/s12866-025-04075-4
STOMATITIS
Stomatitis (Candidal Stomatitis & Denture Stomatitis) are a form of oral candidiasis affecting the mucosa ā often under dentures. Denture stomatitis appears as chronic erythema and inflammation beneath dental prostheses and affects up to 20ā67% of denture users, especially if dentures are worn overnight or not cleaned properly. Symptoms include redness, irritation, and mild pain or bleeding, particularly in the upper palate.1
References:
1.
PeriÄ, M., MiliÄiÄ, B., KuzmanoviÄPfiÄer, J., ŽivkoviÄ, R., & ArsiÄArsenijeviÄ, V. (2024). A SystematicReview of DentureStomatitis: PredisposingFactors, Clinical Features, Etiology, and Global Candida spp. Distribution. Journal of Fungi, 10(5), 328. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10050328
BLACK, DEPAPILLATED TONGUE
Black, Depapillated Tongue also known as median rhomboid glossitis, is a depapillated, reddened patch on the midline of the dorsal tongue. This condition, strongly associated with Candida colonization, may be asymptomatic or cause mild discomfort. Though rare (it affects less than 1% of the population), it is more frequent in smokers, steroid users, and immunocompromised patients.
References:
1.
Taylor M, BrizuelaM, Raja A. Oral Candidiasis. [Updated2023 Jul 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. TreasureIsland (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.
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