Thrush

There are several things that can increase your risk for getting thrush.

Age

• Newborns and infants don't have fully developed immune systems, which increases their risk of developing infections, including thrush.
• Newborns are also in the process of developing a healthy balance of bacteria and fungi in their mouths. If this balance is upset, the child may develop thrush.
• Older adults, especially those who have serious health problems, are more likely to develop thrush, because their immune systems are likely to be weaker.

Behavior

• The yeast that causes thrush can be spread by oral sex.
• Heavy smoking can lower the body's ability to fight off infections, making thrush more likely to develop.

Other conditions

• False teeth (dentures), braces, or a retainer that irritates the mouth make it hard to keep the mouth clean and can increase your risk for thrush. An unclean mouth is more likely to develop thrush than is a clean mouth.
• People with a Reference weakened immune system Opens New Window, such as those who have diabetes or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or who are having chemotherapy treatments, have an increased risk for thrush.

Medications

Medicines that can let the thrush yeast grow uncontrolled include:

• Antibiotics, especially those that kill a wide range of organisms (broad-spectrum antibiotics), such as tetracycline.
• Birth control pills (oral contraceptives).
• Medicines that weaken the body's immune system, such as Reference corticosteroids Opens New Window.

Environment

Exposure over time to certain environmental chemicals, such as benzene and some pesticides, can weaken the body's immune system, increasing your risk for infections, including thrush.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.