Morning Mystery: What’s That White Film in My Mouth?

When you wake up in the morning, do you notice a white film on your tongue? It may feel a bit different, and you may notice an unpleasant taste in your mouth along with it. This is often a symptom of oral thrush. If you don’t know much about this condition, then you may wonder how you can recognize it and what you can do to treat it, so keep reading to learn what you should know to protect your oral health.

What is Oral Thrush?

In short, oral thrush is a type of fungal infection. It is caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, or yeast! It is generally harmless when it’s in small amounts and naturally lives in your mouth without causing trouble. However, if your immune system becomes compromised or there is an imbalance of microorganisms, then it may grow out of control.

As this happens, there are symptoms that come with it, such as:

• White spots on your tongue, tonsils, gums, or inner cheek
• Burning or soreness in your mouth
• A bad taste
• Cotton-like or sandpaper feeling
• Dry and cracked skin at the corners of your mouth

How is Oral Thrush Treated?

The good news is that getting rid of oral thrush can be an easy process! It’s best to eliminate the underlying cause, whether that is restoring the balance of the good and bad germs in your mouth or following some at-home remedies. An effective solution to it is often an antifungal medication. You will apply a topical gel or liquid directly to your mouth and after a couple of weeks, it should go away.

An option you can try with something in your pantry is a warm salt-water rinse. Doing this can help soothe and cleanse your mouth of harmful bacteria. All you have to do is add a half teaspoon of salt to a warm glass of water and use it as mouthwash. Additionally, you can try eating yogurt. This food is filled with probiotics, which are good bacteria for your mouth to restore balance to your microbiome.

Is There Anything I Can Do to Avoid Oral Thrush?

To avoid getting oral thrush in the future, you should stick to your oral hygiene routine and eat a balanced diet. Brushing twice and flossing at least once a day can remove any harmful bacteria in your mouth. Keeping up with consistent visits to your dentist can also catch any oral health issues before they become a big headache.

Combine this with giving your body the nutrients it needs to stay strong, and you can help your immune system fight off infections. Doing these can help keep your smile happier and problem-free!

About the Practice

At Queen Creek Complete Dental, you benefit from a skilled team of dentists who look after you and your oral health. We believe in preventing any dental problems before they have the chance to arise. Using state-of-the-art technology, you can have quicker and more effective treatments. If it’s time for your next checkup or cleaning, schedule an appointment or call our office at (480) 722-1200.