Oral candidiasis (thrush). The white, slightly elevated lesions appear to be "sitting" on the tongue surface. The slight shiny redness of the tongue and the cracks at the mouth corners are typical of oral candidiasis, also known as thrush, a yeast infection inside the mouth. Oral candidiasis (thrush) frequently has a white patch at the middle of the tongue, as displayed in this image. This image displays severe oral candidiasis (thrush) with thick, white lesions covering the tongue. Candida (yeast) infection of the mouth, also known as thrush, can cause a smooth patch at the middle of the tongue, as displayed in this image.
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Thrush (Oral Candidiasis)  Teen information

Picture of Thrush (Oral Candidiasis): Oral candidiasis (thrush). The white, slightly elevated lesions appear to be "sitting" on the tongue surface. Divider line
Oral candidiasis (thrush). The white, slightly elevated lesions appear to be "sitting" on the tongue surface.
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Treatments Your Provider May Prescribe
Although meticulous oral hygiene practices must be followed, treatments center on killing the overgrown yeast with anti-fungal medications.
  • Nystatin – This medicine must come into contact with the yeast in order to kill it. Nystatin comes in a liquid (suspension) and in a lozenge (troche). The suspension is swished around the mouth and then swallowed. The lozenge dissolves in the mouth. Both the suspension and the lozenge are used several times a day until the lesions are completely gone.
  • Amphotericin B suspension – The suspension is swished and swallowed several times a day until complete resolution of the lesions.
  • Clotrimazole lozenge – The lozenge is dissolved in the mouth several times a day until the lesions have disappeared entirely.
  • Fluconazole pill – This medication is swallowed once daily for 5–10 days.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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