In simple words: Oral thrush is a yeast infection in your mouth. It can cause white patches, soreness, and trouble swallowing. People with dry mouth or weak immune systems are more prone to it. Doctors usually diagnose it by looking in your mouth and may do some tests. Treatment often involves antifungal medicines.

Candidal stomatitis, also called oral thrush, is a fungal infection affecting the oral mucus membranes and tongue. It is caused by the yeast Candida albicans and is often seen in individuals with poor oral hygiene, decreased salivation, or weakened immune systems due to factors like immunosuppressant medication. Symptoms include sore, painful, white or curd-like oral lesions that reveal an erythematous base when wiped, potentially accompanied by bad breath, burning mouth, and difficulty swallowing. Diagnosis is based on history, physical examination, and lab tests like complete blood count (CBC), T2 Candida panel, blood culture, wet mount of lesion scrapings, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Treatment typically involves antifungal medications like fluconazole or itraconazole and medicated mouthwashes.

Example 1: A patient with a history of HIV presents with white patches in their mouth, difficulty swallowing, and a burning sensation. Upon examination, the physician observes curd-like lesions consistent with oral thrush. A wet mount confirms the presence of Candida albicans., An elderly patient taking corticosteroids for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease develops white patches on their tongue and inner cheeks. They report a sore mouth and altered taste. The physician diagnoses candidal stomatitis based on the clinical presentation and prescribes antifungal medication., An infant presents with white patches on their tongue and inside of their cheeks. The mother reports difficulty feeding the baby. The physician diagnoses oral thrush and advises the mother on proper hygiene practices to prevent reinfection.

Diagnosis of candidal stomatitis should be supported by clinical findings such as the presence of white or curd-like lesions in the mouth.Documentation of patient symptoms, medical history (especially related to immune status and medication use), and laboratory test results (if conducted) are essential.