I have redness on the gum around my canines, on both side of upper
gum.  I believe it is yeast infection; however my dentist (not
experience I believe) said yeast infection is only on the lip and
mouth, not on gum.  My dentist think it is "licen planus" (due to
stress) and steroid should be sufficient to treat it...I doubt it.

Another specialist dentist I visited in CA whie on vacation, think it
is yeast infection, however I don't live in CA so I can't revisit to
get yeast prescription.  My question is what are name of medications
used to treat yeast infection on gum, and who can I talk to find
dentist/doctor specialist who can correct diagnose my yeast infection.
 One internet website even said that lab test should be done 3-4 times
to make sure since many yeast infection are mistaken as "licen planus"
(which is treat by steroid).

---

Request for Question Clarification by thx1138-ga on 11 May 2004 08:53 PDT

Hello andrewsoftware and thank you for your question.

It could actually be both:

"Often a biopsy of affected tissue is needed to confirm a diagnosis of
lichen planus. Sometimes, several biopsies are needed at various
times, along with blood tests. It is common for a yeast infection to
be present with lichen planus. In these cases, the yeast infection is
usually treated first."
http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/lichen_planus.html

If you could tell us where you are (ie. State city/town) we might be
able to locate a dentist/doctor specialist to help you.

Very best regards

THX1138

---

Clarification of Question by andrewsoftware-ga on 12 May 2004 11:55 PDT

I live in Springfield, Virginia, 22152 (or basically Northern Virginia
Metropolitan).  I already had one biopsy (small slice of red guym cut
out) by a oral surgen.  But the lab result is negative of yeast.  But
internet article said several biopsy must be done to ensure the
negative, since yeast infection are usually mistaken as candida.  I
don't want more lab biopsy test since each time a small piece of my
gum is cut out.  I want to find a specialist who simpy can presibe me
some yeast medication to try.  If it is yeast, then the redness would
go away with the medication right ? Sometime trial and error (topical
medication has little side effect) is much simpler than than keep
cutting up my gum and sending to lab.  Hope you can help refer me.

Hello andrewsoftware, thank you for your question and subsequent clarification.

Firstly, the information I am giving you here is not meant to be a
substitute for professional medical advice, and you should consult
your doctor/health care provider for advice and treatment.  The
information I have given below is as a result of my researcher skills
and not as a medical professional.

From my research it would seem that you need to see a Peridontist (a
specialist in diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums)
and it just so happens that there are three doctors in the Springfield
area who specialise in Periodontics.  They are:

Dr. Bruce S Wyman Periodontics  
Ste 312
6116 Rolling Rd
Springfield, VA 22152-1512

"Dr. Wyman is past president of the Fairfax County Dental Society, the
Metropolitan Washington Society of Periodontics, the Greater Fairfax
Dental Study Club, Assistant Clinical Professor of Periodontics at
Georgetown University School of Dentistry and a visiting lecturer at
the Department of Implantology at New York University School of
Dentistry and the University of Maryland, Department of Periodontics.
He has been on numerous committees for the American Academy of
Periodontology, including formerly being the Chairman of the
Professional Relations Committee. Dr. Wyman is a fellow of the
Virginia Dental Association."
http://www.washingtonperio.com/mee/wyman.html


Dr. John Frank Bruno Periodontics
6120 Brandon Ave
Springfield, VA 22150-2522
(703) 644-4100

Dr. Stanley Merrill Stoller Periodontics
Ste 317
6120 Brandon Ave
Springfield, VA 22150-2522
(703) 451-6800


All three Peridontists are members of the American Dental Association
http://www.ada.org/


"Periodontics: Periodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with
the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums
and supporting structures of the teeth."
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=8395

===============================================================================

Assuming your condition is a yeast infection and depending on what
type of infection it is, the Periodontist might suggest:

"Following are the drugs used in treatment:" (ORAL YEAST INFECTIONS)

"Nystatin is an antifungal antibiotic made from another organism,
Streptomyces noursei. It does not damage bacteria or viruses and is
virtually non-toxic with negligible adverse reactions. It is most
commonly used at the onset as it is effective both topically and
orally. The yeast orgamism rarely develops resistance to nystatin.
Trade names include Mycostatin®, Mycolog II®, and Nilstat®, in
addition to generic preparations.

Amphotericin B (Fungizone®, Adria®, and Apothecon®) is a broad
spectrum drug but exhibits toxicity and some side effects Therefore,
it is used for the more invasive form of Candida. Blood tests should
be used to monitor for liver damage. Creams and ointments, based on
amphotericin B, are available for the corners of the mouth (angular
cheilitis) with no signs of systemic toxicity.

Ketoconazole preparations are antifungals that cause changes in the
fungus cell wall and bind with the organisms. These are Mycelex®,
Monistat®, and Nizoral®.
Candicidin (Candeptin®) is an antifungal antibiotic made from another
streptomycin strain.

Triazoles (Diflucan® and Sporanox®) act similarly to ketoconazole but
are less disruptive to the patient and are rapidly absorbed. However,
they are more costly.
 
Other remedies include: grapefruit seed extract, capricin tea,
homeopathic Candida silicea, artemisia, grape seed oil, and gentian.
FOS (fructo-oligosaccharide) is an insoluble fiber that acts as a food
source for the healthful bifidus bacteria in the intestine. These
bacteria ferment this carbohydrate resulting in fatty acids that are
used for the intestinal epithelial cells, which enhance water and
mineral absorption."
http://www.nutrition4health.org/NOHAnews/NNS95OralYeastInfections.htm
 
Thank you for your question, and if you need any clarification of my
answer do not hesitate to ask, prior to rating my answer.

Very best regards, and I hope you get your problem resolved quickly!

THX1138

Search strategy included:
"oral yeast infection" -thrush
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&safe=off&as_qdr=all&q=+%22oral+yeast+infection%22+-thrush

Hello again andrewsoftware.

Just a note to say thank you for the five star rating and the generous
tip!  I hope you get your problem resolved quickly.

Very best regards

THX1138