OpenHealth Q&A

It sounds like you're experiencing some concerning symptoms with your oral health, and I want to provide you with the information you need. Oral thrush, which is caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast, can present as white patches on the tongue and inside the mouth, and it may cause discomfort or bleeding during cleaning.

Explanation

1. Possible Signs of Oral Thrush: Common symptoms include:

   • White or creamy patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and sometimes on the gums or tonsils.
   • Possible soreness or discomfort in the mouth.
   • Bleeding can occur if patches are scraped too hard or if there is inflammation involved.

2. Other Considerations: Your history of sinusitis and tonsil stones might contribute to changes in oral flora. Good oral hygiene is crucial, but aggressive cleaning can irritate sensitive areas, leading to the bleeding you're experiencing.

Next Steps

1. Gentle Oral Care:

   • Continue to brush your teeth and tongue, but be gentler to avoid irritating your tongue and causing bleeding.
   • Rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) to help soothe irritation.

2. Monitor Symptoms:

   • Keep track of any changes in the appearance of your tongue or mouth, pain levels, and any new symptoms like difficulty swallowing or increased bleeding.
   • Take note of how long the symptoms persist.

3. Dietary Adjustments:

   • Consider reducing sugar and refined carbohydrates in your diet, as these can promote yeast growth.

4. Maintain Hydration:

   • Ensure you’re drinking plenty of water, as this helps keep your mouth moist and can aid in preventing infections.

5. Seek Help:

   • If your symptoms do not improve in the next week, or if you develop a fever, experience severe pain, or have difficulty swallowing, it would be wise to seek professional medical advice for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Please take care, and I hope these suggestions help you find some relief from your symptoms!