Candidiasis which occurs in the mouth or throat of a person is called “thrush” or oropharyngeal candidiasis. The most common symptom of oral candidiasis or oral thrush is the development of white patches or plaques on the tongue and other oral mucous membranes. Other symptoms include redness, soreness in affected areas, difficulty in swallowing food and severe cases that can lead to angular cheilitis (cracks on the edges of mouth).

How and Why Oral thrush is caused

Oral thrush is caused by a fungal infection that happens due to the overgrowth of yeast sp. called CandidaCandida yeasts usually are found on the skin and mucous membrane of body parts in small amounts as normal flora. They grow, multiply and cause infection in the mouth and throat when the environment in the mouth becomes imbalanced due to a weak immune system. There are various factors that can lead to a weakened immune system and candidiasis infection such as poor health conditions, the occurrence of AIDS, diabetes or too much use of antibiotics.

Various Conditions of Oral Thrush

In severe conditions, Candida can overgrow in the esophagus causing Candida esophagitis or also known as esophageal candidiasis.

Oral thrush of the mouth and throat are usually treated by using prescription antifungal medicines such as clotrimazole, nystatin suspension, fluconazole and itraconazole.

Coconut oil for Oral thrush

Practicing good oral hygiene plays a key role in preventing oral thrush in children as well in adults. Along with medicines, there are effective home remedies such as the use of coconut oil that also helps to reduce the symptoms of oral thrush. There are certain components in coconut oil that can help eliminate Candida and treat symptoms. Once believed to be unhealthy because of its high saturated fat content, it is now known that saturated fatty acids are predominately medium-chain fatty acids. Research shows that these fats help prevent heart disease and boost metabolism. The active ingredients in coconut oil are caprylic acid, capric acid and lauric acid. These fatty acids contain potent antimicrobial agents that kill fungi, including Candida albicans. Caprylic acid is one of the medium-chain fatty acids present in coconut oil. It is effective at killing Candida albicans.

Thus the application of coconut oil is found to be an effective remedy in the treatment of mouth thrush (Oral thrush).

Oral Thrush Healthy and Infected

There are certain components in coconut oil that can help eliminate Candida and treat symptoms. Once believed to be unhealthy because of its high saturated fat content, it is now known that saturated fatty acids are predominately medium-chain fatty acids. Research shows that these fats help prevent heart disease and boost metabolism. The active ingredients in coconut oil are caprylic acid, capric acid and lauric acid. These fatty acids contain potent antimicrobial agents that kill fungi, including Candida albicans. Caprylic acid is one of the medium-chain fatty acids present in coconut oil. It is effective at killing Candida albicans.



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