title: The use of probiotics in helping to combat the effects of Candida.
abstract: Older people are vulnerable to oral Candida infection (thrush) provoked by chronic disease, medication, poor oral hygiene or reduced salivary flow. Probiotic bacteria, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus, is helpful in combating the condition as it competes for adhesion sites with Candida by adhering to the mucosal epithelium. Lactobacillus also produces hydrogen peroxide and other antifungal substances.