Prevention

These measures may help reduce your risk of developing candida infections:

• Rinse your mouth. If you need to use a corticosteroid inhaler, be sure to rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after taking your medication.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily or as often as your dentist recommends.
• Check your dentures. Remove your dentures at night. Make sure dentures fit properly and don't cause irritation. Clean your dentures daily. Ask your dentist for the best way to clean your type of dentures.
• See your dentist regularly, especially if you have diabetes or wear dentures. Ask your dentist how often you need to be seen.
• Watch what you eat. Try limiting the amount of sugar-containing foods you eat. These may encourage the growth of candida.
• Maintain good blood sugar control if you have diabetes. Well-controlled blood sugar can reduce the amount of sugar in your saliva, discouraging the growth of candida.
• Treat a vaginal yeast infection as soon as possible.
• Treat dry mouth. Ask your doctor about ways to avoid or treat your dry mouth.