Thrush is an infection of the mouth caused by a common yeast
called candida (pronounced CAN-did-a). It often causes whitish
coating on the tongue, inside the cheeks, and in the back of the
throat. Some people find that food tastes differently than
usual. We all have candida on our skin and in our mouths. But
its usually kept in check by your immune system. Also normal
bacteria that live on the skin and in the mouth compete with the
candida for nutrients. So, candida does not overgrow. Thrush can
be a problem that happens over and over for people with
dentures. The wet, warm space underneath the denture is an ideal
place for candida to multiply. Thrush often happens if you need
to stay on an antibiotic for an extended period of time. Or if
you have taken several different antibiotics within a year.
Antibiotics kill bacteria that normally keep candida numbers in
control. A weakened immune system from chemotherapy or radiation
therapy for cancer, or from a disease like AIDS, can also give
candida an opportunity