Thrush is an oral yeast infection caused by the Candida fungus. It appears as white or yellow patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and roof of the mouth. Anyone can get thrush, but it's most common in babies and older adults.
Thrush can present with several signs in the mouth, including:
Thrush develops when Candida overgrows. Common triggers include:
At GastroDoxs in Houston, our thrush specialists deliver patient-centered care with the latest antifungal therapies tailored to your needs. From infants to seniors, we focus on rapid relief, preventive education, and long-term oral health. Don't let thrush disrupt your life - book an appointment with GastroDoxs today for fast, effective relief and lasting comfort.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Look for white or yellowish patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, or roof of the mouth that don't wipe away, along with fussiness or difficulty feeding.
Thrush in infants is often due to immature immune defenses and exposure to the Candida fungus during delivery or through contaminated pacifiers and bottles.
Babies can acquire thrush from a mother's vaginal yeast infection at birth or through close contact with unclean feeding items like pacifiers or bottle nipples.
Gently clean your baby's mouth with a soft, damp cloth and administer prescribed antifungal drops (e.g., nystatin) as directed by your pediatrician.
Yes. Adults who use antibiotics, have diabetes, wear dentures without proper cleaning, or have weakened immunity are at higher risk for oral thrush.
Thrush can spread through direct contact, especially from caregivers to infants or between individuals with compromised immune systems.
See a healthcare provider if white patches persist longer than a week, cause significant pain, interfere with eating, or return after treatment.
Probiotic yogurt, saltwater rinses, and good oral hygiene may help relieve symptoms, but you should still consult a gastroenterologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
If untreated, thrush can spread to the esophagus or enter the bloodstream in vulnerable patients, leading to more serious infections.
With appropriate antifungal medication and home care, most mild cases of oral thrush resolve within 7-14 days.
