How to Determine Whether It Is Thrush
Jul 07, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xie Zixing
Introduction
Oral thrush is primarily diagnosed based on predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, and response to treatment. It commonly presents as diffuse, variably sized white membranous plaques on the oral mucosa, tongue, pharynx, and gingiva; in severe cases, these plaques may resemble curdled milk or cottage cheese. To confirm a diagnosis of oral thrush, prompt evaluation by a dentist or oral medicine specialist at a reputable hospital is recommended.
Oral candidiasis—also known as “snow mouth disease” or “moniliasis”—is a common pediatric oral condition caused by fungal infection. Diagnosis is primarily based on predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, and response to treatment. Oral candidiasis is caused by *Candida albicans* and commonly occurs in individuals with compromised immunity—including children, pregnant women, and elderly patients—especially those undergoing prolonged treatment with immunosuppressants or glucocorticoids.
Clinically, it typically presents as diffuse, variably sized, white membranous plaques on the oral mucosa, tongue, pharynx, and gingiva. In severe cases, the lesions may resemble curd-like (cottage cheese–like) deposits. There is no surrounding erythema or vesiculation, no tenderness upon palpation, no interference with eating, and the plaques cannot be easily wiped away. Antifungal therapy and alkalinization of the oral environment (e.g., using sodium bicarbonate solution) promote healing.
However, definitive diagnosis of oral candidiasis requires prompt evaluation by a qualified dentist or oral medicine specialist at an accredited hospital. A fungal scraping test should be performed: if hyphae are observed microscopically in the scraped specimen, the diagnosis is confirmed.
If a child develops oral candidiasis, irritability and refusal to eat are common. Treatment options include rinsing the mouth with sodium bicarbonate solution or gently applying the solution to affected white lesions using a cotton swab. Topical antifungal ointments may also be applied directly to the lesions to suppress fungal growth.
