There is a school of thought that believes that recurrent thrush infections may be due to an excessive population of the normal intestinal flora of Candida species. It should also be borne in mind that systemic candidiasis, although rare, is a serious condition which requires referral. They can be easily removed by scraping, but this leaves the areas sore and often bleeding. In patients with dentures, chronic atrophic candidiasis may occur. This shows as generalised inflammation of the denture area.
Candida species adhere to the denture surface and infect the area.
Acute atrophic candidiasis affects mainly the tongue which becomes red, painful and sometimes bleeds. The characteristic white plaques of oral thrush are not seen. It is odourless and sometimes may be more watery and slightly yellow. Itching of the area is common. The absence of odour and erythema in the area are significant diagnostic features.