What Does Yeast in the Mouth Look Like?

Mouth yeast infections are caused by candida albicans, a fungus or yeast that lives naturally in the mouth. Sometimes, candida over-proliferates in the mouth and causes infections (candidiasis.) There are four types of mouth yeast infections: Mouth thrush, erythematous, hyperplastic and angular cheilitis. All manifest themselves in different ways.

Types of Symptoms

• Mouth thrush appears as patchy, creamy white or yellow bumps inside the walls of the mouth and tongue. Sometimes, if you rub these bumps, they can bleed. Erythematous looks like a red patch that is located on the palate or tongue.

Other Types of Symptoms

• Chronic hyperplastic usually appears as a reddish discolored stain that cannot be removed. This condition is common with tobacco users, but it can also be caused by certain foods.

Effects of Angulur Cheilitis

• Angulur cheilitis causes red cracks on both corners of a person's mouth. These cracks are often covered with a thin membrane.

Significance

• It is often difficult to get rid of these oral symptoms as they can be caused by systemic reactions to certain antibiotics and corticosteroids.

Treatment

• The sores or patches in the mouth can be so sensitive that typical oral hygiene can be painful. Anti-fungal drops in the form of lozenges or suspensions are the most common treatments for mouth yeast.