small amounts of the candida fungus are present in the mouth digestive tract and skin of most healthy people and are normally kept in check by other bacteria and microorganisms in the body. however certain illnesses stress or medications can disturb the delicate balance causing the fungus candida to grow out of control causing thrush. medications that upset the balance of microorganisms in the mouth and may cause thrush include corticosteroids antibiotics and birth control pills. illnesses or medical situations that make candida infection more likely to develop include uncontrolled diabetes hiv infection cancer dry mouth or pregnancy (caused by the hormonal changes that occur with pregnancy). people who smoke or wear dentures that don't fit properly also are at increased risk for thrush. in addition babies can pass the infection to their mothers during breast-feeding.
what causes thrush?