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Oral fungal infection in diabetes

High blood sugar predisposes the mouth to a fungal infection i.e. oral thrush.

Usually, oral thrush results from the combined effect of several predisposing factors. They include ageing, dry mouth, antibiotics treatments, bad oral hygiene, smoking, reduced immunity and cortisone therapy. In diabetes, the higher sugar level of the oral fluids increases the risk of fungal infection in the mucous membranes of the mouth.

Fungal infections of the mouth are more common amongst users of dentures. Excessive growth of the soft tissue may occur on the mucous membrane under the dentures.

The infection symptoms can vary from painless redness to a burning sensation. Another sign of infection is repeated cracking of the corners of the mouth.

The treatment of thrush entails cleaning and disinfecting your mouth and potential dentures more thoroughly. You can wet your mouth with water, cooking oil or an artificial saliva product available at pharmacies. If necessary, a dentist can prescribe local medication.

Updated 8.11.2023