Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAntifungal DrugsHome RemediesCauses of ThrushWhen to Seek Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Antifungal Drugs
Home Remedies
Causes of Thrush
When to Seek Care
Oral thrush, otherwise known as oralcandidiasis, is a fungal infection in adults and children that is treated with antifungal drugs, most commonly in the form of lozenges and oral solutions that can usually clear the infections in seven to 14 days.Home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments can help ease symptoms and promote healing.
While it is possible for mild cases of thrush to clear on their own with home treatments, such as improved oral hygiene and saltwater rinses, it depends on the underlying cause.
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
Antifungal Treatments for Oral Thrush
It is only when the immune system is weak or the natural balance of bacteria and fungus in your body is disrupted thatCandidacan suddenly grow out of control, leading tocandidiasis(also known as a yeast infection).
Topical Antifungal Treatments
The treatment for most mild cases of thrush is a short course of topical antifungals. These come in lozenges, syrups, pastilles, or dissolvable tablets that disperse the medication evenly in your mouth.
The preferred options for mild to moderate oral thrush include:
Alternative topical antifungals include:
Oral Antifungal Treatment
For moderate to severe cases of thrush or mild infections that do not respond to topical treatments, oral antifungal may be used.
The preferred first-line option isfluconazole:
Oral Thrush Home Remedies
Certain home remedies may help control oral thrush. These can be used on their own for mild infections, easing symptoms and preventing complications until your immune system can rein in the infection.
Good Oral Hygiene
Keeping your mouth clean is a crucial part of treating thrush. Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue with a soft brush twice a day. Floss afterward and rinse thoroughly with water. If you wear dentures, you need to brush regularly and disinfect your dentures daily.
Certain over-the-counter mouthwashes may help control thrush. Look for ones that containhydrogen peroxide, such as Colgate Peroxyl. Only use until the infection has cleared as the overuse of hydrogen peroxide can lead to adark, hairy tongue. Do not swallow.
Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes that can cause stinging.
Cold Food and Drink
Cold foods and beverages can provide relief from the itching and burning that often accompanies aCandidainfection. Options include:
Opt for low-sugar or sugar-free options. Consuming excessive sugar promotes yeast growth and may prolong the infection. You should also avoid acidic or spicy foods and drinks, such as orange juice, that cause stinging.
Eating soft food, like scrambled eggs or porridge, may also help if you are experiencing severe mouth pain.
Mouth Rinses
Warm salt waterrinsesmay help provide relief and control bacteria that can make symptoms worse. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of warm water. Gargle for 10 to 15 seconds and spit, repeating until you have finished the cup.
Baking soda rinses may also help slow the growth ofCandida. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in one cup of warm water. Swish the solution around in your mouth, then spit it out.
Yogurt
Some studies suggest that yogurt with active probiotic cultures ofLactobacillus acidophilusmay help normalize the natural flora of your mouth. Whether it can alter the course of aCandidainfection remains unproven.
Yogurt can be given to children once they have begun to eat solids, around the age of 6 months.
Over-the-counterprobiotic supplementsand drinks withLactobacillus acidophilusmay also help restore friendly bacteria to your mouth.
Are There Over-the-Counter Antifungals?OTC topical antifungals like Lamisil (terbinafine) can be purchased at stores, but these are intended for skin infections likeathlete’s foot or jock itch. They arenotintended for oral use and should not be applied to the eyes, nose, or mouth, or inside thevagina.
Are There Over-the-Counter Antifungals?
OTC topical antifungals like Lamisil (terbinafine) can be purchased at stores, but these are intended for skin infections likeathlete’s foot or jock itch. They arenotintended for oral use and should not be applied to the eyes, nose, or mouth, or inside thevagina.
Why Do I Have Oral Thrush?
Oral thrush should never be ignored. Even if it is mild, it is an indication of an underlying condition either affecting your immune system or causing an imbalance of the natural flora of your mouth.
There are many reasons why this might occur, including:
Do I Need to See a Healthcare Provider?
Sometimes the cause of oral thrush may seem obvious, such as having ill-fitting dentures, smoking heavily, or using a steroid inhaler for asthma. But this doesn’t mean you should ignore the infection as you are more likely than not to experience recurrence.
If the cause is known, adjustments can be made to prevent recurrence. This may include adding aspacer to an inhaleror changing medications. People with ill-fitting dentures might qualify for an upgrade, while heavy smokers may be prescribedsmoking cessation aids.
In all such cases, topical antifungal will likely be prescribed.
If the cause is unknown or infections are recurrent, an investigation should be pursued. This may involve lab tests to check for nutritional deficiencies and signs of immunodeficiency.
In people with compromised immune systems, oral thrush may serve as a prelude to the spread of the infection to theesophagus, lungs, and even the bloodstream. If HIV is involved,treatment will be prescribedto strengthen the immune system and prevent this from happening.
Summary
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8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Gurvits GE, Tan A.Black hairy tongue syndrome.World J Gastroenterol. 2014;20(31):10845-10850. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i31.10845
Shegokar V, Khadse S.Effect of sodium bicarbonate onCandida albicans.Int J Life Sci. 2020;8(2):457-64.
Piqué N, Berlanga M, Miñana-Galbis D.Health benefits of heat-killed (tyndallized) probiotics: An overview.Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(10):2534. doi:10.3390/ijms20102534
Markowiak P, Śliżewska K.Effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on human health.Nutrients. 2017;9(9):1021. doi:10.3390/nu9091021
DailyMed.Label: athlete’s foot- terbinafine hydrochloride cream.
National Library of Medicine.Oral thrush: overview
DHHS Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents.Guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents in adults and adolescents with HIV.
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