I just found out that i probably have oral thrush. could that be connected to a gum infection that appeared about the same time?

Maybe: Typically you will get thrush if you are on a protracted course of antibiotics / antibacterial mouth rinse which alters the balance of flora in the mouth. If you get rid of too many of the natural bacteria, the fungus takes over and is much harder to eliminate. So, if you were on any of these for the gum infection, that could be the relationship. Good Luck.

See a dentist: The fungal infections (oral thrush) can cause gum disease. See a dentist for differential diagnosis and treatment.