While it’s more common in young children and seniors, oral thrush can strike anyone. Oral thrush occurs when there is a buildup of Candida albicans fungus in the mouth. Older patients or anyone with a compromised immune system may be prone to this kind of condition.
Although oral thrush is not considered a severe issue, it should be treated promptly. You should visit your doctor and get some anti-fungal medication to help you get the problem under control. It’s likely that with the help of a prescription and the use of some at-home remedies, you can get rid of oral thrush without too much trouble, while some mild cases may clear up on their own.
Along with your antifungal medications and following these tips to get rid of oral thrush quickly, you can quickly prevent the infection from spreading. Let’s take a look at a few tips to help you get back to greeting the world with your stunning smile.
Symptoms of Oral Thrush
Oral thrush can appear with varying symptoms in different people. If you notice any of these signs, you should visit your doctor.
- Filmy white patches on your tongue, cheeks, the roof of your mouth or throat
- Loss of taste
- Redness or irritation of the soft tissues of your mouth
- Pain while swallowing
- Cracking skin at the corners of your mouth
Home Remedies
Saltwater Rinse
Salt, particularly sea salt, has many healing properties. When mixed with water, salt can act as an effective antiseptic and soothe inflammation in your mouth. Dissolve a teaspoon of sea salt into an 8 ounce glass of water and rinse your mouth and throat for about 30 seconds, potent then spit out. Repeat this rinse several times a day until the infection has cleared up.
Yogurt
Yogurt contains a probiotic that contains healthy bacteria that can help clear up a thrush infection. Although these bacteria will not completely kill the thrush, it can help to stop its growth.
If you are having discomfort when you try to eat, yogurt is the perfect soft food that will be easier to consume. The Candida yeast thrives on sugar, so it’s better to choose a yogurt that is naturally sweetened. If you aren’t a fan of yogurt or are lactose intolerant, you can try a probiotic supplement.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has potent antifungal and antiseptic properties that can help fight off the thrush fungus. Some patients prefer to apply the juice of a lemon directly to their thrush lesions. However, for most people, the lemon juice’s acidity is too strong and can cause an uncomfortable stinging sensation.
It’s recommended that you mix the squeezed juices from half of an average-sized lemon with one cup of warm water before using it as a rinse. Make sure to spit out the rinse after you are finished. You can use this rinse several times a day to help clear up your infection.
Clove Oil
Clove oil has been used as a natural remedy for oral issues for centuries. It is still used today by many patients to care for problems with inflammation. The primary compound in clove oil called eugenol, can be as effective in treating oral thrush as prescription medications. You can take a clove oil supplement or create a rinse using a drained version of clove tea.
Baking Soda
The powerful disinfectant properties of simple baking soda can help you to treat an oral thrush infection. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth for a full 30 seconds. Make sure to spit out the solution when you finish. You can use this rinse several times a day to help you treat the symptoms of your infection.
Gentian Violet
This unique home remedy can be found in most pharmacies or online. Gentian violet is a synthetic dye that has been proven effective for treating oral thrush. Most patients use an ear swab to gently apply the violet directly to thrush spots. You can use this remedy two to three times a day.
Turmeric
The beautiful yellow color that turmeric is known for is actually a result of a compound known as curcumin. When combined with piperine, the anti-inflammatory power of curcumin can help to fight the oral thrush fungus.
Combine half a teaspoon of Turmeric paste with a pinch of black pepper. In a small saucepan, add one cup of milk or water to the mixture and heat until warm. Rinse mouth with mixture for 30 seconds and then spit. You can use this healing rinse twice daily.
Apple Cider Vinegar
There are so many healthy benefits of apple cider vinegar that it’s no surprise that it can be helpful in treating oral thrush. Some patients choose to use a full-strength dose of apple cider vinegar as a rinse, but it may cause irritation. For a more soothing blend, use half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with warm water. Rinse your mouth and then spit. If you experience any burning sensation or tingling after your treatment, discontinue use or dilute your mixture further.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C can be a powerful booster for your immune system. When your body is lacking in this essential vitamin, you can be more susceptible to infection. Adding a supplement to your diet can help you to fight off an oral thrush infection.
Prevention
A proper oral hygiene routine is the best way to avoid getting an oral thrush infection. Brushing your teeth and flossing twice a day can help keep your mouth clean and free of yeast-like bacteria. You can also follow these preventative measures to prevent oral thrush:
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect your dentures daily
- If you are breastfeeding, clean the nipple area in between feedings
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash after meals and brushing
Although oral thrush is a fairly harmless infection, if you have a compromised immune system you could be at risk of developing a larger problem. Before you start any at-home treatments, you should make a visit to your doctor.
These home remedies are most effective on the symptoms of a thrush infection that causes the most discomfort. However, none of them are suited to treat the infection itself, so it’s important to get the right medications. Natural remedies can be effective on their own, but when paired with the right antifungal medications you have a better chance of treating your oral thrush quickly.