About Fungus Tongue, From Symptoms to How to Overcome It

Moldy tongue is characterized by a white layer that resembles cheese and is difficult to clean on the surface of the tongue. This condition is a symptom of oral candidiasis and is usually experienced by infants, toddlers, or adults with a weak immune system. Fungal tongue can be treated with medicine from a doctor.

The accumulation of the fungus Candida albicans in the mouth can cause oral candidiasis. Actually, Candida yeast in the mouth is a normal thing. However, the development of uncontrolled fungus due to a weak immune system or consumption of drugs can cause infection and trigger a moldy tongue.

Not only on the tongue, the fungus can also spread to the roof of the mouth, gums, lips, to the back of the throat. This condition is usually relatively mild and easy to treat

Symptoms Accompanying Fungal Tongue

In its early stages, oral candidiasis may not cause any symptoms. However, when the infection gets worse, this condition can cause a moldy tongue which is accompanied by several other symptoms.

Symptoms that accompany moldy tongue in infants and adults can be different. Here is an explanation:

Symptoms in adults

Candida yeast infection that occurs in the mouth of adults is not contagious. Apart from causing a moldy tongue, this condition is also accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

• The corners of the mouth are cracked and reddish in color
• A burning or painful sensation that makes it difficult for the sufferer to eat or swallow
• Slight bleeding if the fungus is scraped off the tongue or other parts of the mouth
• Sensation like there is cotton in the mouth
• Can't taste food or drink
• Redness, irritation and pain under the denture

In people with cancer or a weak immune system such as HIV/AIDS, the fungus can even spread to the esophagus.

Symptoms in infants

Because they can't yet complain about what they feel, the only symptoms of oral candidiasis in babies are piles of fungus on the tongue, roof of the mouth, and gums. In addition, babies who are infected with the fungus Candida may also not want to eat or have diaper rash.

Risk Factors of Fungal Tongue Due to Oral Candidiasis

There are several factors that increase a person's risk of developing oral candidiasis and experiencing a moldy tongue, including:

• Have a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or treatments, such as cancer, organ transplant, HIV/AIDS
• Have untreated or uncontrolled diabetes
• Consuming certain drugs, such as corticosteroids or antibiotics that can disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms in the body
• Having a condition that can cause dry mouth, such as wearing dentures or smoking cigarettes

In addition, infants, toddlers, and the elderly are also more susceptible to oral candidiasis because their immune systems are not fully formed or have decreased. This makes them susceptible to infection.

How to Overcome Fungal Tongue Due to Oral Candidiasis

With proper treatment, a fungal tongue caused by oral candidiasis can generally heal within 10-14 days. This condition is relatively easier to treat in healthy infants and adults than in people with weakened immune systems

Your doctor will prescribe one of the following antifungal medications to stop the spread of Candida yeast infection:

• Fluconazole
• Nystatin
• Miconazole
• Itraconazole
• Amphotericin
• Clotrimazole

These drugs are available in tablet, topical, or eye drops. The type and dosage of the drug prescribed by the doctor will be adjusted according to the age, cause of the infection, and the health condition of the person with a moldy tongue.

In addition to giving antifungal drugs by doctors, people with moldy tongue can also apply various natural ways to reduce the discomfort that appears. The following are some natural ways that can be done to overcome the tongue fungus:

• Gargle with warm salt water
• Gargle with a solution of baking soda, a solution of lemon water, or a solution of apple cider vinegar
• Rinse mouth with water after eating or taking medicine
• Brush your teeth, gums and tongue 2 times a day with a soft toothbrush
• Consuming yogurt to help keep good germs in the mouth
• Keeping dentures clean when using them

Keep in mind, this natural method is a companion to antifungal treatment. Therefore, consult a doctor if you want to do the natural methods above to deal with a moldy tongue, especially in infants or toddlers.

Prevention of Moldy Tongue

There are various ways you can do to prevent the appearance of a moldy tongue due to oral candidiasis, including:

• Avoid using antiseptic mouthwash because it can disrupt the balance of good microorganisms in the mouth.
• Brush your teeth with toothpaste containing fluoride after every meal, and clean between your teeth using dental floss.
• Rinse your mouth with water after every use of inhaled corticosteroids or taking drugs.
• Meet daily fluid needs.
• Limit foods or drinks that are high in sugar.
• Check your teeth to the dentist regularly, especially if you have diabetes or wear dentures.
• Don't smoke.

If the tongue fungus does not heal even though you have implemented the above treatment steps, you should consult a doctor, especially if you have certain medical conditions, including a weak immune system. Proper handling can prevent the spread of fungal infections to other parts of the body.

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