Remedies for Oral Thrush (2024)

What Is Oral Thrush?

Oral thrush is a fungal infection that affects your mouth, throat, or esophagus. It occurs when candida — a fungus that's found in your mouth and digestive tract — multiplies. White patches similar to a rash appear in the mouth, on the tongue and cheeks, and in the throat.

Anyone can develop thrush. Candida, or yeast, is responsible for diaper rash as well as vagin*l yeast infections in women. Oral thrush is most common in babies, toddlers, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. People who smoke or wear dentures are also more prone to developing oral thrush.

Oral thrush symptoms in adults

Oral thrush has different symptoms depending on your age and the type of infection, including:

White, rash-like patches on the tongue, cheeks, upper mouth, tonsils, and throat
A dry sensation or cotton-like feeling in your mouth
Loss of taste
Raised spots similar to cottage cheese
Redness and cracking around your mouth

Oral thrush symptoms in infants and nursing people

If your child has oral thrush, you'll see the same thick, white patches on their tongue as well as in their mouth and throat. Other symptoms of this condition in babies include:

Oral Thrush Treatment for Adults

Oral thrush clears up within a few weeks with the proper antifungal treatment. The condition may be harder to treat if you have a weakened immune system from HIV infection, cancer, or diabetes.

Treatment is designed to stop the fungus from spreading, but it's also important to determine the underlying causes. This can prevent future infections and keep yeast under control.

Oral thrush treatment for babies and nursing parents

Your baby's doctor will prescribe an antifungal medication, which you'll apply several times a day to the inside of your baby's mouth with an applicator.

If your baby gets oral thrush while breastfeeding, place pads on your breasts to prevent the infection from spreading to your clothing. Avoid pads with plastic barriers, which can cause yeast to grow. Wear a clean bra every day and talk to your doctor to learn how to clean bottles, pacifiers, and breast pumps.

If you have a mild case of oral thrush after a course of antibiotics, consider eating yogurt or taking an over-the-counter (OTC) acidophilus pill. Probiotics help repopulate the "good" bacteria in your body.

Topical antifungals

Doctors usually treat serious cases of thrush with antifungal medications. They're available as tablets, lozenges, or liquids that you swish around in your mouth before swallowing. Common medications include:

Antifungal medicines such as fluconazole (Diflucan) or itraconazole (Sporanox), which may be taken in tablet or liquid form
Antifungal mouthwash (nystatin)
Lozenges (clotrimazole)

The course of treatment depends on your age and the cause of the fungal infection. A course of medication lasts from 10 to 14 days.

Home Remedies for Thrush

Besides medicine, home remedies can ease oral thrush pain and help you get better faster.

Apple cider vinegar

Studies show that apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties, which makes it suitable for treating thrush. Be sure to dilute it so it won't burn your mouth. Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with one cup of water, swish it in your mouth for about a minute, then spit it out.

Coconut oil pulling for oral thrush

People have used oil pulling for centuries to treat different conditions, including oral diseases. It involves swishing a tablespoon of edible oil, such as coconut oil, in your mouth for 15-20 minutes and then spitting it out. It works by trapping toxins and pathogens and removing them from your mouth. Plus, certain oils have antifungal properties that fight candida, the fungus that causes thrush. Experts suggest oil pulling three times a day. You should also rinse your mouth with water afterward, and brush and floss your teeth. Kids younger than 5 should avoid oil pulling.

Other home remedies for thrush

Here are some other home remedies for thrush that you can use as a mouth rinse:

Saltwater rinse. Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt in warm water.
Baking soda rinse. Mix 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in warm water.
Lemon juice. Mix the juice of half a lemon in water.
Turmeric. Mix 1/2 teaspoon turmeric paste with water or milk, add a pinch of black pepper, and heat.
Oregano oil. Mix a few drops of oregano oil with water.
Clove oil. Steep ground cloves in hot water for 5 minutes, then strain.

Practicing good oral hygiene

Take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Don't share your toothbrush with anyone, and replace it often until the infection clears. Disinfect your dentures, as fungus-covered dentures can cause reinfection. Talk to your dentist to learn the best way to clean your appliances.

When to See Your Doctor

If your immune system is not compromised, oral thrush should resolve within 2 weeks. If you are immunocompromised or have an underlying medical condition, call your doctor. Here are some symptoms that may be warning signs:

Thrush-like sores that don't go away
Difficulty or pain when swallowing
Thrush symptoms with an underlying medical condition, such as HIV

Seek medical care if you think your child has oral thrush and they:

Are dehydrated
Haven't urinated in more than 8 hours
Have dark urine and a dry mouth
Have bleeding sores in the mouth
Look or act very sick

A candida infection may indicate other diseases or medical problems. Talk to your doctor to set up any additional treatment plans.

Takeaways

Oral thrush is a fungal infection that affects your mouth, throat, and esophagus. It is caused by candida overgrowth, and its symptoms include white patches, dry mouth, loss of taste, and throat pain. It's common in babies, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Treatment involves antifungal medications, good oral hygiene, and home remedies such as apple cider vinegar and coconut oil pulling. Serious cases of oral thrush may require prescription medication. It's important to talk to your doctor, especially if symptoms continue or get worse. Good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, are crucial for preventing and recovering from thrush.