---
title: "What Is Oral thrush? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "Oral thrush is a yeast infection in the mouth. It causes creamy white patches on the tongue or inner cheeks."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/oral-thrush
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Conditions

# Oral thrush

Oral thrush is a yeast infection in the mouth. It causes creamy white patches on the tongue or inner cheeks.

Thrush occurs when conditions allow too much growth of a fungus called Candida in your mouth. A small amount of this fungus is normal. When your immune system is weak or the normal bacteria die off, too much of it can overgrow and cause thrush.

Creamy white patches may appear on the tongue or inner cheeks. They can be sore. Thrush is more likely when you are in poor health, and young babies are also more likely to develop it.

Thrush is usually treated with antifungal medicine. If the immune system is healthy, it is a minor problem that goes away within a couple of weeks of starting treatment. Tell your dentist or doctor if you see white patches that do not wipe away. See also [dry mouth](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dry-mouth-xerostomia) and [leukoplakia](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/leukoplakia).

## Related terms

-   [Dry mouth (xerostomia)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dry-mouth-xerostomia)
-   [Leukoplakia](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/leukoplakia)
-   [Mouth sores](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/mouth-sores)
-   [Saliva](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/saliva)
-   [Salivary glands](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/salivary-glands)

## Sources

1.  [MedlinePlus: Thrush - children and adults](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000626.htm)
2.  [Cleveland Clinic: Thrush: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10956-thrush)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)