Have you noticed changes in the color of your gums recently? You may suffer from fungal gingivitis, what is this inflammation? Follow this article to find out the answer.

Have you noticed the appearance of some white spots inside the mouth? You may be wondering why it appears? In fact, there are several reasons for the appearance of these spots, including your infection with a fungal infection in the mouth, also called oral thrush, so can it cause fungal gingivitis? And what are the symptoms and causes? Get to know the answer with us in this article:

Fungal gingivitis

Fungal gingivitis is an inflammation that occurs as a result of the gathering of a special type of fungus called Candida albicans inside the mouth. It usually affects the insides of the cheek and tongue, but it can spread to other places such as the gums, the roof of the mouth, and the tonsils.

Fungal gingivitis is not uncommon and is often misdiagnosed because its symptoms are similar to desquamative gingivitis. 

Symptoms of fungal gingivitis

The symptoms of fungal stomatitis are usually rare and simple in healthy people, but they may be more severe in people who suffer from some diseases that weaken the immune system, and when the inflammation moves to the gums, the symptoms of fungal gingivitis are as follows:

Burning feeling in the mouth.

Temporary loss of the sense of taste.

Irritation and inflammation around the gums.

Cracking and redness on the side of the mouth.

The appearance of slightly prominent white areas on the gums.

Risk factors for fungal gingivitis

Fungal gingivitis is rare in the absence of other diseases. Among the risk factors that increase the possibility of fungal gingivitis are the following:

Weakened immune system, such as cancer patients, AIDS, infants, and the elderly.

Wearing dentures and certain dry mouth conditions increase the risk of fungal gingivitis.

Diabetes and not being careful to treat it, as this increases the sugar content in saliva, which stimulates the growth of fungus.

Using some medications that change the balance of natural bacteria in the body, which lead to increased fungal growth, such as: antibiotics and corticosteroids.

Diagnosis of fungal gingivitis

The most common fungal gingivitis is oral thrush, and the doctor can usually diagnose it by looking inside the mouth and seeing white spots on the gums. Other ways to diagnose fungal gingivitis include:

Conducting a microscopic examination of the tissue taken from the area of the spots inside the mouth, in order to confirm the presence of fungal infection.

An endoscopy or X-ray of the esophagus in case of fungal infection spreading to it.

Note whether the appearance of the gums is in the form of erythematous gingiva with a granular surface.

Treating fungal gingivitis

Before starting treatment for fungal gingivitis, the doctor will order some tests to ensure that there are no other diseases that may be the cause of this infection. Treatment may take longer and be more difficult for patients with diseases that weaken the immune system. Fungal gingivitis can be treated with other methods. following:

1. Pharmacotherapy

The doctor will prescribe some antifungal medications, either in liquid form, pills, or lozenges, and they are usually used for 10-14 days.

2. Home treatment

In addition to drug treatment, you can use some home remedies to relieve the symptoms of fungal gingivitis, and these methods include the following:

Eat foods rich in beneficial bacteria, such as yogurt.

Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and use it as a mouthwash.

Keep your mouth and teeth clean by brushing your teeth and flossing regularly.