Oral thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth. It is not contagious and is usually successfully treated with antifungal medication. Show
It is also called oral candidosis (or candiasis) because it is caused by a group of yeasts called Candida. Symptoms of oral thrush can include:
In some cases, the symptoms of oral thrush can make eating and drinking difficult. When to seek medical adviceSpeak to your GP if you develop symptoms of oral thrush. If left untreated, the symptoms will often persist and your mouth will continue to feel uncomfortable. In severe cases that are left untreated, there is also a risk of the infection spreading further into your body, which can be serious. Your GP will usually be able to diagnose oral thrush simply by examining your mouth. Sometimes they may also recommend blood tests to look for certain conditions associated with oral thrush, such as diabetes and nutritional deficiencies. What causes oral thrush?Low numbers of the fungus Candida are naturally found in the mouth and digestive system of most people. They don't usually cause any problems, but can lead to oral thrush if they multiply. There are a number of reasons why this may happen, including:
Babies, young children and elderly people are at a particularly high risk of developing oral thrush, as are people with certain underlying conditions, including diabetes, an iron deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and HIV. As most people already have Candida fungi living in their mouth, oral thrush is not contagious. This means it cannot be passed to others. Treating oral thrushOral thrush can usually be successfully treated with antifungal medicines. These usually come in the form of gels or liquid that you apply directly inside your mouth (topical medication), although tablets or capsules are sometimes used. Topical medication will usually need to be used several times a day for around 7 to 14 days. Tablet or capsules are usually taken once daily. These medications don't often have side effects, although some can cause nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, bloating, abdominal (tummy) pain and diarrhoea. If antibiotics or corticosteroids are thought to be causing your oral thrush, the medicine – or the way it is delivered – may need to be changed or the dosage reduced. Preventing oral thrushThere are a number of things you can do to reduce your chances of developing oral thrush, including:
If you have a condition or are receiving treatment that could put you at a high risk of developing oral thrush, your doctor may recommend taking a course of antifungal medication to prevent this happening. Read more about taking care of your oral health. Oral thrush, also called oral candidiasis, is a yeast infection of the mouth. It happens when there’s a buildup of the Candida albicans fungus in the lining of the mouth. Oral thrush may occur in adults or children. If you have oral thrush, you’ll need antifungal medication to clear the yeast. However, you may be able to help manage bothersome symptoms with home remedies, too. Read on to learn how you can help treat the symptoms of this condition at home. It’s important to treat oral thrush as soon as possible to contain the infection. Doctors often prescribe antifungal medications in the form of mouthwashes, pills, or lozenges. Mild cases of oral thrush may go away on their own. The following home remedies, used in addition to antifungal medications, may help relieve symptoms of the infection. 1. Salt waterSalt has antiseptic, cleansing, and soothing properties. This makes it a common home remedy for many oral problems. Rinsing your mouth with salt water could help relieve symptoms of oral thrush. To use:
2. Baking sodaRinsing your mouth with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) may help treat oral thrush. In a 2009 study, researchers looked at the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate as a disinfectant of Candida albicans adhered to acrylic resin. The test was meant to simulate the daily disinfecting of dentures. Researchers concluded that, although not the most effective form of disinfectant, baking soda was a “viable alternative.” To use:
3. YogurtProbiotic yogurt contains live, “good” bacteria cultures that may help treat oral thrush. The cultures don’t kill Candida. Instead, they stop its growth. They may also help restore the proper balance of good to bad bacteria in the mouth. Since it’s soft, yogurt is also a great food to eat if you’re having trouble swallowing due to painful mouth and throat lesions. To use:
4. Lemon juiceLemon juice is thought to have antiseptic and antifungal abilities that help it fight against the fungus that causes thrush. According to a small 2009 study, lemon juice was found to be a more effective treatment for oral thrush than gentian violet among people with HIV. (Gentian violet is another home remedy for oral thrush, but recent evidence shows it may cause cancer.) Since the study was small, more research is needed. To use:
Some people apply lemon juice directly to thrush lesions, but the lemon’s acidity may cause burning and irritation. 5. TurmericTurmeric gets its vibrant yellow color from curcumin. Curcumin is a powerful compound thought to have anti-inflammatory abilities. According to a 2010 study on mice, curcumin may treat oral thrush. The study found curcumin to be an antifungal against both albicans and non-albicans species of Candida, especially when combined with piperine. Piperine is a compound found in black pepper that helps the body absorb turmeric. Further research is needed on humans. To use:
6. Clove oilPeople have used clove oil as a folk remedy for oral problems for centuries. It’s still used in dentistry today as an antiseptic and pain reliever. According to a 2005 in vivo and in vitro study on immunosuppressed rats, the main compound in clove oil (eugenol) was found to be as effective in treating oral thrush as the antifungal drug nystatin (Mycostatin). Further research on humans is still needed, but it may work as a beneficial addition to treatment. To use: Take clove oil as a dietary supplement as directed by the manufacturer or your doctor. You can also make a clove mouth rinse:
Cloves may cause an allergic reaction or a numbing effect in the mouth in some people. Buy clove oil here. 7. Oregano oilOregano oil is used to flavor foods, but it also has antimicrobial and antifungal abilities. According to older research from 2001 conducted on mice and in vitro, oregano oil was effective against Candida albicans. Further research is needed. To use:
Never use undiluted oregano oil orally or topically. Buy oregano oil here. 8. Apple cider vinegarPeople with dentures have a higher risk of oral thrush. Dentures that don’t fit properly or that aren’t cleaned well provide the ideal environment for Candida to thrive. This may cause a condition similar to thrush called denture stomatitis. According to a 2015 in vitro study, apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties against Candida and may be a good alternative treatment option for people with denture stomatitis. To use:
Some natural health professionals recommend rinsing with undiluted apple cider vinegar, but this may cause a painful burning sensation in your mouth. Buy apple cider vinegar here. 9. Vitamin CVitamin C (also called ascorbic acid) is necessary for proper immune system function. It does this by encouraging white blood cell production, which helps protect your body against infection. It also helps these cells function more effectively and protects them against harmful molecules. A healthy immune system helps bring balance back to your body. Increasing your intake of vitamin C if you’re deficient may help boost your body’s ability to beat the infection. Oral thrush almost always causes symptoms, although they range in severity and duration. Common symptoms are:
For most people, oral thrush isn’t a serious problem. If your immune system is compromised, however, it may spread and become a systemic infection. Contact your doctor right away at the first signs of oral thrush if you have a compromised immune system. Other conditions mimic oral thrush, such as oral hairy leukoplakia and lichen planus. See your doctor for a proper diagnosis before self-treating. Since most home remedies have been researched on animals, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor before trying them. Breastfed babies with oral thrush may transmit the infection to their mother’s breasts. If you’re breastfeeding and develop redness around your nipples or pain, see your doctor. Many home remedies aren’t appropriate for infants and children. Talk with your pediatrician before using. Home remedies for oral thrush may help relieve symptoms, but they won’t cure the yeast infection. Home remedies are meant to support, not replace, antifungal medications that treat oral thrush. You may still need an antifungal to get rid of the Candida fungus entirely. Once you’ve eliminated oral thrush, you can reduce your risk of getting it again by brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily. Replace your toothbrush to prevent reinfection. To help prevent Candida yeast from taking up residence in your mouth or other areas of your body, follow these tips:
What is the best overThe easiest and safest way to treat mild oral thrush is to use a topical antifungal, like clotrimazole or nystatin. Clotrimazole is a lozenge that you suck on and nystatin is a liquid that you swish around in your mouth.
Can I treat oral thrush on my own?In many cases, thrush goes away on its own without treatment. A persistent yeast infection may require antifungal medications. These can be taken orally or applied as ointments directly to your mouth. Antifungal rinses are another option for treating thrush.
What can I buy to get rid of oral thrush?Oral thrush can usually be successfully treated with antifungal medicines. These usually come in the form of gels or liquid that you apply directly inside your mouth (topical medication), although tablets or capsules are sometimes used.
|