Have you recently been finding a sticky white film in your mouth? This mysterious gunk usually coats your tongue, cheeks, or the roof of your mouth, causing an unpleasant feeling and taste. While it’s often more annoying than dangerous, a white film can sometimes be a health issue called oral thrush. But what is it, and how do you make it go away? Continue reading to further explore this mystery of the mouth and learn how to deal with it.
What Is This White Film?
The most common cause of white mouth film is oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis. This is a fungal infection caused by Candida yeast that naturally occurs in your body. Usually, other bacteria keep the levels of this yeast at bay, but sometimes a change in your body chemistry can trigger an outbreak.
What Causes Oral Thrush?
There are many reasons why oral thrush can thrive in your mouth, including:
- Dry Mouth: Dehydration and certain medications can cause your salivary glands to slow their production. Without the necessary flush of saliva, oral thrush is better able to congregate on the surfaces inside your mouth.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes in general can cause an oral thrush outbreak, but pregnancy causes many hormones to shift at once.
- Autoimmune Diseases and HIV: A healthy immune system is vital for keeping your mouth free from infection. Autoimmune diseases and HIV can damage or inhibit your body’s ability to heal and defend itself.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Without a thorough, regular cleaning, bacteria in your mouth can multiply, causing several oral health conditions and triggering oral thrush.
How Can I Prevent Oral Thrush?
If you’re suffering from the grip of oral thrush, there’s no need to panic. Here are some ways to get your oral health back on track and prevent it in the future:
- Improve Your Oral Hygiene Routine: Brush your teeth, tongue, cheeks, and gums twice a day and floss daily to get rid of excess oral bacteria. You can also incorporate an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash for extra protection.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is not only good for your body, but it helps your mouth produce more saliva. This will help flush away oral bacteria and keep your teeth protected from acids.
- See Your Dentist More Often: If you’ve been skipping out on dental visits, now might be the time to get back into the habit! Try to see your dentist at least twice a year to help prevent issues like oral thrush from occurring in the first place.
- Manage Uncontrolled Conditions: Diabetes, HIV, and other conditions that cause oral thrush can be managed through medications, lifestyle choices, and seeing a qualified medical professional.
Understanding the causes of oral thrush is the first step to addressing it. Whether it’s a simple case of dry mouth or a more serious condition like diabetes, proper oral care and good medical advice can help you maintain a healthy, comfortable body and smile.
About the Author
Dr. Ye Wang loves helping her patients improve their smiles and educating them about good oral health practices. She earned her dental doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and has been improving her skills ever since! Call (847) 221-5860 to schedule an appointment at Plum Grove Family Dental or visit the website to explore other services.