## Can You Get Oral Thrush from Scuba Diving Mouthpiece?
Scuba diving is a great way to explore the underwater world, but it’s important to be aware of the risks involved. One of the potential risks is oral thrush, a fungal infection that can cause a variety of symptoms including white patches on the tongue, mouth, and throat.
**What is Oral Thrush?**
Oral thrush is caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. This fungus is normally present in small amounts in the mouth, but it can overgrow and cause an infection if the immune system is weakened.
**How Can You Get Oral Thrush from Scuba Diving?**
One way to get oral thrush is by using a scuba diving mouthpiece that is contaminated with the Candida fungus. This can happen if the mouthpiece is not properly cleaned and disinfected after each use.
**Symptoms of Oral Thrush**
The symptoms of oral thrush can vary depending on the severity of the infection. Common symptoms include:
* White patches on the tongue, mouth, and throat
* Pain or burning in the mouth
* Difficulty swallowing
* Loss of taste
* Bad breath
**Treatment for Oral Thrush**
Oral thrush is treated with antifungal medications. These medications can be taken orally or applied directly to the affected areas. Treatment typically lasts for 10-14 days.
**How to Prevent Oral Thrush**
There are a few things you can do to help prevent oral thrush from scuba diving:
* **Clean and disinfect your scuba diving mouthpiece after each use.** This will help to remove any Candida fungus that may be present on the mouthpiece.
* **Avoid sharing your scuba diving mouthpiece with others.** This will help to prevent the spread of infection.
* **See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.** This will help to keep your mouth healthy and free of infection.
**If you think you may have oral thrush, it’s important to see your doctor or dentist as soon as possible. Treatment can help to clear up the infection and prevent it from coming back.**