There are many reasons why yeast infections can develop in the mouth. Basically it can be one of three things that lead to an infection. These are fungi, bacteria or disease. Candida albicans, a fungus, is one of the likely reasons for oral yeast infections. While yeast infections in babies' mouths are most often referred to as thrush, these infections are called Candidiasis or moniliasis when they occur in the mouths or throats of adults.

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.

There are a range of things that can cause yeast infections in the mouth. The first thing that might be the culprit is the use of antibiotics. Another factor could be if you are undergoing a course of chemotherapy or other drug treatments which can increase your susceptibility to contracting a yeast infection. This is because these drugs produce a favorable environment within your body for growth of Candida. Using these drugs reduces the number of favorable bacteria that normally help keep the Candida in check giving it the chance to grow rapidly.

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.

You will find that oral yeast infections often have a discharge that could be a white to cream color. This may also be accompanied by yellow spots and indicates that the yeast has already spread. This effectively means that the yeast has begun infecting the mouth's mucous membranes. Oral yeast infection often causes a burning feeling in the mouth and throat. sufferers of this pain describe it as unbearable and medical assistance is urgently sought.

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.