clinical features of oral candidiasis

Last edited 06/2018

Patients with candida infections may be asymptomatic but often presents with:

• dysphagia (1)
• burning and soreness as well as sensitivity to acidic and spicy foods (2)
• altered taste sensation (1)

Clinical symptoms of oral candidiasis vary according to the clinical pattern of infection:

• pseudomembranous candidiasis (oral thrush):
  • characterized by white curd like pseudomembrane seen on the buccal mucosa, throat, tongue, or gingivae
  • removal of the membrane reveals an underlying erythematous mucosa
• acute erythematous candidiasis (acute atrophic oral candidiasis)
  • present with burning sensation in the mouth or the tongue
  • the tongue may be bright red
  • commonly seen after antibiotic therapy or inhaled steroid therapy
• chronic erythematous candidiasis (denture stomatitis or chronic atrophic candidiasis)
  • seen as localized erythema in places where ill-fitting or inadequately cleaned dentures are worn (1,2)
• chronic hyperplastic candidiasis
  • seen as white patches or plaques which are firmly adhered to buccal mucosa, tongue, palate
  • usually distributed on both sides (3)
• median rhomboid glossitis
  • atrophic filiform papillae is seen in a symmetrical area anterior to the cicumvallate papillae of the tongue (1)
• angular cheilitis
  • seen as erythematous fissuring at corners of the mouth

Reference:

• (1) Akpan A, Morgan R. Oral candidiasis. Postgrad Med J 2002;78:455-459
• (2) National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Chapter 3: Diseases and Disorders
• (3) Pankhurst CL. Managing oral candidiasis in resource poor settings. BMJ clinical evidence 2006