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Published: 10 June
2020 If you're wondering about oral thrush treatment options, you're in the right place. There are various possible ways to get rid of oral thrush, either with medicine prescribed by a doctor or with one of many home remedies. But how do you know which one to try first? If you've noticed you have some oral thrush symptoms then it's good to address it straight away. Oral thrush is a condition of the mouth that involves an overgrowth of yeast fungus. Some people get severe symptoms and others have it mildly and then find it disappears. The good news is that it is treatable, and no matter why you have it, there's likely something you can do to get rid of it or at least ease the symptoms from home. In this article, we'll talk all about mouth thrush, what causes it, how to treat it at home and how to prevent it from happening in the first place. We hope this information gives you peace of mind if you have this condition and helps you get rid of it once and for all. Table of contents
What is oral thrush?In short, oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is an accumulation of yeast fungus in your mouth. The fungus that causes it is called Candida albicans. The Candida fungus is naturally occurring. It is a harmless organism in your mouth, but the problem arises when it grows too much. Anyone can develop this condition, but babies and older adults are more likely to be susceptible, due to reduced immunity. People with suppressed immune systems or certain health conditions are also more likely to develop oral thrush symptoms. Ask a dentist: Is oral thrush harmful? Oral thrush is rarely a problem for children and adults. However, it can be more serious for individuals who have decreased immunity, such as those suffering from cancer or HIV/AIDs. Some medications can lower the body's immune response as well. However, if someone suffers from oral thrush frequently, then he or she has an underlying disease or condition that is lowering their immunity, and it must be investigated immediately. -Dr. Fanar Swaida Oral thrush symptomsCommon symptoms of oral thrush include the following:
Even if you don't experience any visible symptoms, general discomfort while eating and swallowing can be a sign of oral thrush. It's also a symptom of oral thrush in babies – they might refuse to feed and drool more than usual. If you have a weakened immune system, you might also experience lesions that spread down to your oesophagus. This can result in pain when swallowing and the feeling of having food caught in your throat. If you have these symptoms of thrush, it's important not to ignore them, and to seek medical advice as soon as you can. Some of these symptoms are also symptoms of herpes on the tongue or in the mouth. So, we always advise speaking with a doctor to make sure you are treating the right condition. What causes oral thrush?Oral thrush is an overgrowth of yeastThis condition develops when your immune system is unable to maintain a healthy balance between Candida fungus and other microbes. In this instance, the Candida fungus grows and causes an infection. Oral thrush in babies and toddlers is quite common for this reason; they don't yet have a fully developed immune system. There are several factors besides weakened immune systems that can increase your risk of having this condition. Take a look at some other oral thrush causes:
How can you prevent it?Thankfully, even if you are a person more prone to a mouth thrush infection, there are preventative measures that you can take. Some of these include:
Treating oral thrush usually doesn't require a visit to your GP. You can get over-the-counter oral thrush treatments, or you can try one of the home remedies mentioned below to help ease the symptoms. Oral thrush in babies should be treated by a doctorThis said, you should visit your GP if:
They may prescribe an antifungal medicine in tablet or capsule form. Assuming none of these apply to you, both over-the-counter treatments and natural home remedies can be effective at addressing the symptoms and causes of oral thrush. Keep reading to find out what your options are. Oral thrush treatment over the counterIf you think you may have oral candidiasis, a pharmacist should be able to check your symptoms and recommend an oral thrush treatment over the counter. These treatments usually come in the form of gels or drops. Daktarin oral thrush gel contains miconazole which kills the fungi that cause thrush. It can also help with soothing any soreness caused by the condition. It has an orangey taste and is suitable for anyone over four months of age. If you wear dentures, you can use the gel to scrub them and stop them from becoming infected. Nystatin oral thrush drops work in a similar way, and can also be used to cleanse dentures. Both medicines should be kept in the mouth for as long as possible after application, and application should continue for two days after symptoms have cleared up. Your pharmacist will advise you on exactly how to use the medicine they give you. Natural home remedies for oral thrushIf you prefer to take a natural approach, there are many oral thrush home treatment options to try. These all work in different ways, and with varying degrees of scientific backing, but can be effective at relieving mild oral thrush symptoms especially. You may have some of these products in your cupboard or fridge already; others you might need to buy online, but we've included links to the less common products to make life easier. Apple cider vinegarRinse with antifungal apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is known to have antifungal properties and is a popular natural remedy for thrush. To make a cider vinegar rinse you can:
Baking sodaThis is one of the easiest ways to treat oral thrush at home, with a kitchen staple. Baking soda has been shown to inhibit the growth of yeast. To try this remedy, simply:
SaltwaterSalt has natural antiseptic properties, making it great for dealing with many oral health problems you may have. To use salt water to relieve symptoms of oral thrush:
Tea tree oilTea tree oil is a home remedy for oral thrush Tea tree oil is used for its natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help to combat the Candida fungus and prevent it from coming back again. To use tea tree oil:
Hydrogen peroxideThis household staple has antiseptic benefits and is commonly used to treat a variety of oral problems including mouth ulcers. To gargle with hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash:
Coconut oilCoconut oil is used in an Ayurvedic practise called oil pulling. With antifungal properties that will help get rid of the Candida yeast fungus from your mouth, it is possible to use coconut oil for oral thrush treatment. Here's how:
If you'd like to learn more about this ancient practice and its potential benefits, you can read our oil pulling article. Anti-yeast supplements in liquid formBring your yeast levels back to normal Anti-yeast supplements like this one combine natural yeast-fighting ingredients to help. This particular product receives great reviews on Amazon, with one customer saying:
YoghurtYoghurt is full of probiotics that encourage the production of healthy bacteria in your mouth. The presence of more healthy bacteria helps with oral thrush treatment and brings your Candida level down to normal. To use yoghurt as a treatment:
Lemon juiceLemons have lots of antifungal properties and their acidity can help eliminate oral Candida yeast fungus. To make a lemon drink:
TurmericThis vibrant yellow wonder spice has anti-inflammatory abilities that can be useful in treating oral thrush as well. You can try making ‘golden milk' to drink:
Oregano oilOregano oil has antifungal and antimicrobial properties for to target the causes of oral thrush. To use it:
You can also buy this oregano oil mouthwash, which has various health benefits, including targeting dry mouth and bad breath. The bottle contains 60 doses and you need to dilute it in water before use. Vitamin CVitamin C helps to increase the production of stomach acids and enhances your immunity, stopping the overgrowth of fungus your mouth. The easiest way to up your Vitamin C intake is to take vitamin C capsules. Aloe veraAloe vera is a household remedy known for its antifungal and soothing properties. You can simply take some gel from an aloe vera plant and apply it to your tongue and the inside of your cheeks once or twice a day. If you don't have a plant at home, you can buy Aloe Vera juice online. GarlicGarlic contains allicin which is a powerful antifungal antiviral and antibiotic. To fight it with garlic, you will need to chew on a raw garlic glove once or twice a day. This is not a recommended treatment if you plan on going on any first dates! Also be aware that raw garlic can burn your mouth, so it's a good idea to start with a small piece and see how you get on. That was a lot of home remedies! Have a look at the following table for a summary of some of the most common:
You can also watch the video below of Dr. Nemeth going through some home remedies for oral thrush, and then what to do if those don't work:
Candida is also known as an oral yeast infection or oral thrush. This condition is not uncommon. It results in white spots on your tongue. You may also have painful red spots on your tongue. #Candidiasis is most common in infants, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. #Oralthrush is also very common in those with diabetes, HIV, or those with dentures or asthma inhalers. To treat Candida at home you should: 1. Stay away from sugary and starchy foods 2. Use a mixture of 1/2 water and 1/2 hydrogen peroxide (3%) 3. Rinse your mouth with warm water and salt 4. Make sure to keep your dentures clean 5. Replace your toothbrush frequently 6. Use baking soda instead of toothpaste 7. Visit our office to get a prescription for Nystatin or Fluconazole (These treatments almost always work) If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment to treat your #candida please visit our website, https://www.drnemeth.com We are happy to help you. Joseph R. Nemeth DDS & Associates 29829 Telegraph Road # 111 Southfield, MI 48034 (248) 357-3100 We DO NOT accept Medicare or Medicaid at our office. If you are a new patient, we require that a $25 deposit be made prior to your appointment in order to reserve your time. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drjosephnemeth/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjosephnemeth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnemethdds/ The information contained in the multimedia content (“Video Content”) has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS & Associates does not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the Video Content. Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS & Associates does not warrant the performance, effectiveness or applicability of any sites listed or linked to in any Video Content. The Video Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on the Site. Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS & Associates hereby disclaims any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the Video Content, which is provided as is, and without warranties. Treatments for oral thrush in babiesWe've gone over the best home remedies for thrush in adults, but what if your baby has oral thrush? You'll find that some of the same natural remedies for adults are also suitable for children, toddlers and babies. These include applying a diluted cider vinegar application to the area and introducing yoghurt into your baby's diet, as found by this study because the lactobacillus in yoghurt can help restore a healthy bacteria balance in your baby's mouth. When it comes to your baby, however, the best thing to do is to seek professional medical advice. A pharmacist or doctor will be able to verify that your baby does indeed have oral candidiasis, and will suggest the most appropriate treatment, whether it's a home remedy or an over-the-counter oral thrush medication. ConclusionGood oral hygiene is the best preventionIf you have this condition, there's no need to panic. As you can see, there are plenty of natural home remedies for oral thrush treatment, as well as various medicines. We do recommend that you see a doctor if you think you or your child have a yeast infection, as it could be caused by an underlying health condition. Chances are, no matter why you have thrush, there are changes to your lifestyle you can make or remedies you can use, to make the symptoms go away. It might be as simple as making time to practice good oral hygiene. FAQsHow can you cure oral thrush fast?If you're wondering how to get rid of thrush quickly, the fastest way to cure oral thrush is to go to your doctor so they can prescribe you a fast-acting anti-fungal medicine. If you want to cure it at home, or using natural remedies, you can try any of or a combination of the remedies mentioned above. However you should always consult with your doctor before starting any treatment and if your symptoms don't go away, you should continue to seek medical help. What does oral thrush look like?Look at some oral thrush pictures, and you'll see white, cream or yellow-coloured patches on the tongue and cheeks which look a bit like cottage cheese. Oral thrush on the tongue can spread. Eventually it can cover the whole surface, making the tongue look white or yellowish. Is oral thrush contagious?Be honest, what you really want to know is if you can kiss someone and either get or give oral thrush. The answer is: not necessarily. That's because yeast is present in everyone's mouth, so in order to develop thrush, you have to have an oral environment that is thrush-friendly. That being said, if you have a yeast infection or you know someone else who does, it's best to put the kissing on hold until the problem has been resolved. Additionally, in some cases, an infant who has oral thrush can spread the yeast to their mother's nipples by breastfeeding and vice versa. How long does oral thrush last without treatment?If you have mild oral thrush then it may disappear without any treatment, but it can also get a lot worse, so we don't recommend leaving it untreated. You can try one of the home remedies listed above. After one week, if the symptoms remain unchanged, you should see a pharmacist or doctor. How can you prevent oral thrush?The best way to prevent oral thrush is very simple. You can start by moderating the sugar in your diet and practising proper oral hygiene (brushing and flossing daily). You should also make sure to visit the dentist once or twice a year. How to Get Rid of Oral Thrush: Treatment and Home Remedies 3.7 (73.64%) 22 vote[s] Contributors: Dr. Fanar Swaida is a passionate and highly experienced dentist in Mississauga Ontario Canada. After graduating from the University of Western Ontario and the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry, Dr. Swaida continued his formal education through multiple courses and mini residencies in a variety of dental specialties. Dr. Swaida tries to be available for his patients even during his off time and his number one priority is to make all of his patients feel comfortable and safe when they come to Rockwest dental Clinic Mississauga. Natalie used to work as a Community Health Worker and Health Insurance Navigator. She continues to follow her passion for connecting people with the healthcare they need by writing informative content about dentistry and medicine. Amanda specialises in writing informative content about dentistry. She has been a regular contributor to Dentaly.org since 2017, and collaborates with dozens of dentists to keep this content accurate and up-to-date. Sign up to receive the latest news and offers from Dentaly.org What kills thrush in mouth naturally?A study shows that using clove oil is as effective as an antiviral drug nystatin to treat thrush. To use at home, you can either take a supplement or make a clove oil rinse. Steep ground clove in hot water for 5 minutes, then strain. Swish the mixture around your mouth and then spit out.
How can I get rid of oral thrush fast?Common medications include:. Antifungal mouthwash (nystatin). Lozenges (clotrimazole). Antifungal medicines like fluconazole (Diflucan) or itraconazole (Sporanox). These are taken in tablet or liquid form.. What is the fastest home remedy for oral thrush?9 home remedies. Salt water. Salt has antiseptic, cleansing, and soothing properties. ... . Baking soda. Rinsing your mouth with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) may help treat oral thrush. ... . Yogurt. ... . Lemon juice. ... . Turmeric. ... . Clove oil. ... . Oregano oil. ... . Apple cider vinegar.. What drinks help oral thrush?Using apple cider vinegar as a rinse could help alleviate the symptoms of oral thrush and clear up the overgrowth of Candida in the mouth. Choose apple cider vinegar that is raw and unfiltered. Then: Dilute one teaspoon of vinegar with one cup of water.
Will salt water clear oral thrush?However, while you wait for a doctor's appointment, here are some remedies you can try at home to stop the thrush from getting worse. Rinse your mouth with saltwater. Salt kills yeast, so rinsing your mouth with salt water is a good way to fight the yeast infection.
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