Table of ContentsView AllTable of Contents1. Salt Water2. Baking Soda3. Apple Cider Vinegar4. Probiotics5. Turmeric6. Lemons7. Vitamin C8. LemongrassOilsPreventionWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Salt Water
Baking Soda
Apple Cider Vinegar
Probiotics
Turmeric
Lemons
Vitamin C
Lemongrass
Oils
Prevention
When to See a Provider
Thrush in the mouth, also known asoral candidiasisororal thrush, is commonly treated withantifungal drugs. Mild cases can sometimes resolve on their own or benefit from home remedies that help neutralize or inhibit the growth of a yeast known asCandida albicans.
These at-home treatments include turmeric, saltwater rinses, apple cider vinegar, and probiotic foods and supplements.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ www.dermnetnz.org 2022
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ www.dermnetnz.org 2022
Research has shown that salt water is an effective tool for oral hygiene as it creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria and reduces the risk of plaque buildup.
Whether the same holds true for fungi likeCandida albicans(the most common cause of oral thrush) remains unclear. Older studies have shown thatC. albicansis salt-tolerant and may be more resistant to saltwater treatment.
Even so, rinsing your mouth with salt water can be extremely beneficial for oral health. To make asaltwater mouth rinse, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water. Swish the solution around your mouth for 15 to 20 seconds and spit it out.
Who gets oral thrush?Oral thrush is common in babies. People with certain health conditions (e.g., uncontrolleddiabetes,Sjögren’sdisease,cancer) may also be more prone to it. Smoking, wearingdentures, and taking certain medications (likecorticosteroids) increase the risk as well.
Who gets oral thrush?
Oral thrush is common in babies. People with certain health conditions (e.g., uncontrolleddiabetes,Sjögren’sdisease,cancer) may also be more prone to it. Smoking, wearingdentures, and taking certain medications (likecorticosteroids) increase the risk as well.
Some research suggests that baking soda, orsodium bicarbonate, may act as a disinfectant againstCandida.A 2017 study in theJournal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeryreported that people who used a 3% baking soda mouth rinse daily following oral surgery were 13% less likely to get oral thrush than those who were left untreated.
To use baking soda as a home remedy for thrush, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of warm water and swish the solution around your mouth for 15 to 20 seconds.
Apple cider vinegar, which contains maleic acid, has proven antifungal properties. A 2015 study published in theJournal of Prosthodonticsreported that a 4% maleic acid solution was more effective in killingC. albicansin the test tube than the antifungal drug Mycostatin (nystatin).Whether the same is true in humans is unknown.
Probioticsintroduce “good” bacteria into the body to help control “bad” bacteria and prevent the overgrowth of yeast. Though probiotic cultures may not kill off excess yeast, they may limit their growth and restore the natural balance of microorganisms in the mouth.
Lactobacillusprobiotics are especially good at this.
Probiotics can be found in many foods, including:
Helpful TipLook for yogurts that contain live cultures and are low in sugar. Sugar can fuel the growth ofC. albicansand should be avoided during an active yeast infection.
Helpful Tip
Look for yogurts that contain live cultures and are low in sugar. Sugar can fuel the growth ofC. albicansand should be avoided during an active yeast infection.
Turmericis a golden spice that contains an anti-inflammatory chemical calledcurcuminwhich may help to combat oral thrush.
Lab studies suggest that curcumin may help controlC. albicansovergrowth.Other studies contend that curcumin can enhance the effectiveness ofphotodynamic therapy (PDT), an alternative light-based treatment of oral fungal infections.
Turmeric is available as a spice and a supplement. To make a turmeric mouthwash, gently simmer two teaspoons of turmeric spice in one cup of water for three to five minutes. Allow to cool before use, and brush your teeth afterward.
Lemonjuice, which contains a high concentration ofcitric acid, has antifungal properties. However, it may be the essential oils from the skin of the lemon that are most beneficial.
According to a lab and animal study conducted in 2022, the essential oil of lemon peels was able to inhibit the growth ofC. albicanswithout causing toxicity. Essential oil concentrations of 1.56% were found to be the most effective.
To make a lemon essential oil mouthwash, add 10 to 20 drops of the essential oil to one cup of water. Rinse your mouth for 10 to 20 seconds and spit out. Do not swallow.
Vitamin C supplementsare widely available at grocery stores, pharmacies, and natural health stores. Avoid taking more than the dosage on the product label, as high doses can lead to heartburn and diarrhea.
Lemongrass, a lemony-scented plant in the grass family, also appears to have antifungal properties that may be effective against oral thrush. A 2022 lab study found that lemongrass essential oil helped boost the effectiveness of nystatin against 78% ofCandidastrains, includingC. albicans.
Another study concluded that lemongrass oil is effective at both preventing and eliminatingC. albicanson dental devices—a common source of oral thrush infections.
To use lemongrass as a home remedy for thrush, steep fresh lemongrass in hot water for five minutes to make tea or mouthwash. Fresh lemongrass can be found in gourmet groceries and Asian food markets.
9. Clove Oil
Clove oilhas powerful antifungal properties that may effectively treat and prevent oral thrush. Cloves containeugenol, a compound that has been shown to eliminateC. albicansand prevent it from returning.
A 2023 study found adding clove oil to the antifungal medication clotrimazole improved the drug’s effectiveness against oral candidiasis.
Even so, clove oil should be used with caution as it can cause mouth irritation andcontact dermatitis.For mouthwash, limit yourself to 10 drops of clove oil per 1 cup of water. Anything more can be extremely bitter.
Never use clove oil in children, as even small amounts have been reported to cause severe side effects such as seizures and liver injury.
Is Listerine good for thrush?
10. Oil of Oregano
Oil of oregano is also used as a home remedy for oral thrush. In lab studies, the oil has proven effective against several strains ofCandida.Thymol, the compound that gives certain herbs like oregano their “grassy” flavor, is thought to be responsible for the antifungal effects.
Other lab studies found that the oil of oregano was as effective as the antifungal drug Diflucan (fluconazole) in controlling a variety ofCandidastrains.Further research is needed to see if the same results can be replicated in humans.
As with lemon essential oil, oil of oregano needs to be diluted at a ratio of 10 to 20 drops per cup of water. The oil of wildoregano(Origanum vulgare) is thought to be the most effective.
11. Other Essential Oils
Essential oils are used in a variety of ways to improve health and wellness. Research suggests several essential oils have antifungal properties that may be effective againstC. albicans,including:
Still, more research is needed to determine their efficacy and safety intreating oral thrush.
In addition to making mouthwashes, you can add 1 to 2 drops of these essential oils to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, swishing it around your mouth for a couple of minutes before spitting it out. Wait a few minutes before brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth with water.
Can thrush clear up on its own?Though thrush can clear up on its own, it’s not a good idea to wait very long to see if it will. Oral thrush can cause unpleasant symptoms that linger for months or even years.
Can thrush clear up on its own?
Though thrush can clear up on its own, it’s not a good idea to wait very long to see if it will. Oral thrush can cause unpleasant symptoms that linger for months or even years.
How to Prevent Oral Thrush
Practicing goodoral hygienecan help prevent thrush. This includes:
Oral thrush is also common when using certaininhalers for asthma or COPD. To reduce the risk, use a spacer attachment that delivers the drugs deep into the airways rather than dispersing them in the mouth. Brush your teeth afterward.
People who areimmunocompromisedare also at risk of oral thrush and need to stay healthy to prevent infection. People with HIV should be treated withantiretroviral drugsthat suppress the virus and help build and maintain a stronger immune system.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
To this end, it’s important to recognize thesigns and symptoms of oral thrushso you can act. These include:
Sudden, severe oral candidiasis may be a red flag for a more serious condition, including HIV. If left untreated, the fungus may spread to theesophagus(feeding tube) and even disseminate (spread) throughout the body.
Seek immediate medical care if you develop symptoms of esophageal candidiasis, including:
Summary
Home remedies for oral thrush (oral candidiasis) include probiotics, vitamin C, or mouth rinses made with salt water, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, lemon essential oil, lemongrass, oil of oregano, clove oil, and other essential oils. Good oral hygiene is also essential.
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