Oral fungus or oral candidiasis is an infection of the oral mucous membranes by a fungus, candida, of which the most common species encountered in human pathology is Candida albicans.

Oral candidiasis is characterized by whitish lesions, often located on the tongue and inner surface of the cheeks. These lesions can also be found on the palate or in the throat. They appear as perleches (whitish deposits on the corner of the lips) or thrush (whitish deposit in the mouth). The tongue can sometimes be very dark (black tongue).

The fungi responsible for this condition are normally an integral part of the flora in the mouth and live in the presence of protective bacteria in perfect balance. When it is broken for various reasons, it promotes the abnormal proliferation of fungi. These reasons themselves have different causes:

• Insufficient oral hygiene;
• Wearing braces;
• A lesion or irritation;
• A dry mouth;
• A pregnancy;
• Diabetes;
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics;
• The presence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV);
• Some corticosteroids or neuroleptics, etc.

• Weakened immune system;
• Diabetes;
• Taking antibiotics;
• Consumption of alcohol and tobacco;
• Chronic irritation due in particular to friction exerted by dental braces.

The only existing emergency is the difficulty in coping with pain, especially in babies whose appetite decreases due to difficulty in eating.

Most often, in healthy babies, candidiasis does not require treatment. For others, older, mouthwashes may be recommended by the attending dentist.

An antifungal agent may be prescribed for other patients in the form of tablets or lozenges.

The duration of treatment can vary from one to three weeks, depending on the improvement.

An almost harmless condition in its early stages, it can, without prompt treatment, cause severe and embarrassing pain and sometimes bleeding.

Patients with weakened immune systems should prevent the infection from spreading into the bloodstream and reaching vital organs.

The best way to avoid the excessive presence of Candida albicans is not to ingest what makes them happy. Thus, it is better to avoid consuming too much:

• Sugar. It is the staple food of mushrooms. It promotes their proliferation in the body and makes them resistant to treatment;
• Yeast and ferments. Avoid excess bread, pizzas, cakes, raw mushrooms, fermented cheeses, fermented drinks, yogurt, etc..;
• Milk and dairy products. Avoid butter, cream, cow’s milk, etc..;
• Meat. Avoid farmed meat;
• Cereals. Avoid wheat, rye, oats, barley and corn, which are slow sugars;
• Alcohol and drugs. By drug we mean all pharmaceutical products, stimulants, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, euphorants, etc..;
• Some sweet vegetables such as carrots for example.

In a sensitive period, at risk for candidiasis, it is recommended to favour organic products, fresh vegetables and fruit and whole grains.