Oral thrush
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What will happen to me?

If you don't have treatment for oral thrush, it can go on for months, or you can get repeat infections.

It's especially important to have any white or red patches in your mouth checked out and treated. In a very few people, the patches can be precancerous and need to be treated to try to stop them from turning into cancer.
 
 
 
 
 
Source:
Scully C, Porter S.
ABC of oral health: swellings and red, white and pigmented lesions.
BMJ. 2000; 321; 225-228.
 
 
 
 
 
1

In young babies, oral thrush usually clears up on its own within a few weeks.

Usually people have oral thrush because of something else. This could be because they:

  • Are young (a baby or child)
  • Have another illness
  • Smoke
  • Have badly fitting dentures
  • Don't take good care of their mouth
  • Take medications that can lead to oral thrush.
Your doctor can give you advice about what to do to stop the infections from coming back. Keep in mind that if you don't have treatment for oral thrush, it can go on for months or you can get repeat infections.
 
 
 
 
 
Source:
Pankhurst CL.
Candidiasis (oropharyngeal): about this condition.
March 2009. Clinical Evidence. (Based on September 2008 search.) Available at http://www.clinicalevidence.com (accessed on 6 May 2009).
 
 
 
 
 
2 To learn more, see How to reduce your risk of oral thrush.

Sources for the information on this page:
  1. Scully C, Porter S.ABC of oral health: swellings and red, white and pigmented lesions.BMJ. 2000; 321; 225-228.
  2. Pankhurst CL.Candidiasis (oropharyngeal): about this condition.March 2009. Clinical Evidence. (Based on September 2008 search.) Available at http://www.clinicalevidence.com (accessed on 6 May 2009).
This information was last updated on May 08, 2009
BMJ Group
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
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