Dictionary

actobacillus acidophilus: Noted as L. acidophilus, this bacteria balances acids and is beneficial to the body. May also inhibit the growth of yeast cells in the mouth, intestines and other parts of the body.

angular cheilitis: A condition that causes flaking skin and fissures at the mouth's corners than can lead to infections.

antibiotics: A family of medicines used to treat an array of illnesses but which can also repress the body's natural bacterial balance, causing a proliferation of yeast that may cause discomfort in the mouth, intestines and genital areas.

antifungal medications: A course of treatment generally prescribed by a doctor or dentist and also available over the counter to treat thrush and other yeast-induced conditions.

baby thrush: The proliferation of yeast cells in infants that often leads to an infection in the mouth and that can be transferred to the mother through nursing. Also appears in the diaper area and can cause a significant amount of pain.

Candida albicans: A naturally occurring fungus in the Candida family typically found in the human body. Yeast-like in structure and under normal conditions remains controlled by beneficial bacteria.

candidiasis: Also known as thrush or a yeast infection, meaning an overabundance of Candida albicans fungus is present within the body.

canditoxin: One of many toxins released when the Candida fungus overpowers the body's good bacteria can interact negatively with the nervous system.

chronic: Any condition that persists beyond three months and, in many cases, continues over the course of years.

corticosteroids: Both natural and manmade family of drugs that are a main course of treatment for inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, including asthma and ulcerative colitis, but are also prime contributors to candidiasis, or thrush.

dry mouth: A condition in which the mouth is excessively dry. In severe cases, this condition can cause a number of illnesses and infections, including thrush, and may also be an indicator of more serious underlying health issues.

dysbiosis: A disruption in the normal operation of the body's functions, including a disruption between the balance of good and bad bacteria, caused by any number of factors such as nutrition, medication and stress.