Oral Thrush is a form of yeast infection. In simplicity, it is caused by the overgrowth of a yeast-type fungus known as Candida Albicans.
“Candida Albicans” (which translates literally to “White, White”) earned its name due to the white spots and lesions created by the fungal infection. (See the side illustration and the white dots that are present)
The Candida Albicans yeast exists naturally in the mouth, and other parts of the body. In general it does not present a problem as it is a common member of our biological make-up.
However, under certain conditions, such as immune-system disorders, illness, medications, smoking or diabetes, it can grow out of control. Additionally, dietary and lifestyle excesses and/or imbalances such as high sugar, alcohol or carbohydrate intake can encourage the overgrowth of the Candida yeast.
Oral Thrush is just one form of a Candida Albicans related disorder. And, while Oral Thrush can effect a person of any age, the groups most likely to suffer from Oral Thrush are infants, the elderly and those suffering from compromised immune systems.
In simplicity, it is an imbalance in the ecosystem of the body’s microorganisms and bacteria that allows the yeast to grow out of control. This overgrowth of yeast then causes Oral Thrush.
The clinical tests done to date on treating oral yeast infections with probiotics are quite promising but still remain inadequate for a conclusive result or recommendation.
However, the clinical trials to date have shown significant support for the beneficial and positive use of oral probiotics against yeast infections in the mouth.
One such test was conducted on a group of elderly subjects that suffered from oral fungal infections.
This test was done over a 16 week period and showed a significant reduction of 75% in the yeast counts of the subjects.
Additionally, a separate test was done on mice.
The results of this test demonstrated further support that probiotics can be effective in controlling oral yeast overgrowths and infections.
Such testing and clinical trials can take years to establish definitive claims. However, tests to date show promising results and support, and with no harmful side effects reported we we can see great hope for the effectiveness of the use of oral probiotics in controlling Candida related Oral Thrush.
NOTE: Bringing conditions such as Oral Thrush under control can take time. Such yeast imbalances did not occur overnight and it is recommended that the use of oral probiotics be continued minimally for a 16-week period, as followed
by clinical trials, to ensure the best chance of positive results. Further benefits can be had by also adhering to good nutrition during this period, limiting or avoiding sources of simple sugars and carbohydrates.
