What are common symptoms of oral thrush?

The symptoms of oral thrush, which is caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus in the mouth, typically include white patches that appear on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, and sometimes the roof of the mouth or throat. These patches can be painful and may lead to soreness in the mouth, which can result in difficulty swallowing. This option accurately reflects the hallmark signs associated with oral thrush, making it the correct choice.

In contrast, other symptoms such as bleeding gums and loose teeth are more indicative of periodontal disease rather than an oral fungal infection like thrush. Swollen lymph nodes and fever might suggest a systemic infection or another illness rather than oral thrush specifically. Lastly, while dry mouth and bad breath can be associated with various oral health issues, they are not characteristic symptoms of oral thrush. Thus, the presence of white patches, soreness, and swallowing issues distinctly align with the symptoms expected in cases of oral thrush.