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We recommend our users to update the browser. Are you looking for oral thrush home remedies? Oral thrush is a condition of the mouth that involves an overgrowth of fungus. In many cases, it can be treated at home, though severe cases may require medical attention. Some people deal with chronic symptoms and others have it briefly and then it disappears. The good news is that it is treatable, and no matter why you have it, there's likely something you can do to get rid of it or at least ease the symptoms. In this article, we'll talk all about thrush, what causes it, how to treat it and how to prevent it from happening in the first place. We hope this information gives you peace of mind if you have this condition and helps you get rid of it once and for all. Before we continue, if you have a severe case of thrush and want to make an appointment with a dentist now, you can call 866-383-0748 to find a dentist in your area. You'll be connected to a live operator, 24/7 who will put you through to a qualified dentist near you. Find a denist near you now Click here to get connected or call 866-383-0748 (toll-free, 24/7) Call A DentistTable of contents
What is oral thrush?Do you have oral thrush?In short, oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is an accumulation of yeast fungus, known as Candida albicans, in your mouth, often resulting in white patches on your tongue. Although this is a naturally occurring and harmless organism in the mouth, the problem arises when it grows too much. Anyone is susceptible to this condition, but babies and older adults are more likely to be affected, due to reduced immunity. People with suppressed immune systems or certain health conditions are also more likely to suffer from it. Ask a dentist: Is oral thrush harmful? Oral thrush is rarely a problem for children and adults. However, it can be more serious for individuals who have decreased immunity, such as those suffering from cancer or HIV/AIDs. Some medications can lower the body's immune response as well. However, if someone suffers from oral thrush frequently, then he or she has an underlying disease or condition that is lowering their immunity, and it must be investigated immediately. –Dr. Fanar Swaida Oral thrush symptomsAccording to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of oral thrush can include the following:
If you have a weakened immune system, you might also experience lesions that spread down to your oesophagus. This may result in pain when swallowing and the feeling of having food caught in your throat. If you have these symptoms of thrush, it's important not to ignore them, and to seek medical advice as soon as you can. Some of these symptoms are also indicative of other health conditions, like oral herpes or even COVID-19. Learn more about COVID oral symptoms. Find out more about herpes on the tongue or around the mouth in our full guide. How does oral thrush develop?This condition develops when your immune system is unable to maintain a healthy balance between Candida fungus and other microbes in your mouth, allowing the microbes to overgrow. When not stopped by your immune system, the Candida fungus grows unchecked and causes an infection. Oral thrush is an overgrowth of yeastThere are several factors besides weakened immune systems that can increase your risk of having this condition:
How can oral thrush be prevented?Thankfully, even if you are a person more prone to an oral thrush infection, there are preventative measures that you can take to avoid this happening to you. Some of these include:
Oral thrush home treatmentsWhen it comes to at-home treatments, most can be split into two categories: Over the counter and natural remedies. Both can be effective, but if you try natural remedies first and they don't seem to help, it's very important that you see a doctor. If your symptoms are severe to begin with, you should probably consult a professional before anything else. If you're not sure what to do, and you can't get in to see a dentist, you may want to consult with a dentist online via teledentistry services. Otherwise, keep reading to find out more about oral thrush home treatment. Over the counter and natural remediesMouthwash Oral thrush mouthwash One of the most effective home remedies for thrush in the mouth are special mouthwashes made specifically for treatment for oral thrush. When you are looking for a mouthwash, you will want to find one that kills harmful bacteria while preserving good bacteria and being alcohol-free. Alcohol can contribute to a dry mouth, one of the potential causes of oral thrush. A popular option on Amazon that meets these criteria is Prevention Mouth Rinse. One customer says it helped him with his case caused by MS:
Probiotic supplements Another oral thrush home remedy that many people turn to is in the form of probiotic pills, although one should always exercise caution as these aren't always medically reviewed. However, there are studies which suggest that oral probiotics containing Lactobacillus acidophilus can help manage the Candida fungus, though their effectiveness isn't the same in all patients. There are lots of these supplements available over the counter, and their benefits extend beyond managing thrush to improved gut health and increased energy levels. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is known to have antifungal properties and is a popular natural remedy for thrush. To make a cider vinegar rinse you can:
Baking soda for thrush Baking soda has been shown to inhibit the growth of yeast. To try this remedy, simply:
Saltwater Salt has natural antiseptic properties, making it great for dealing with many oral health problems you may have. To use salt water to relieve symptoms of oral thrush:
Hydrogen peroxide This household staple has antiseptic benefits and is commonly used to treat a variety of oral problems including mouth ulcers. To gargle with hydrogen peroxide:
Read more about using hydrogen peroxide mouthwash safely in our separate guide. Tea tree oil Tea tree oil is anti-inflammatory Tea tree oil is used for its natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help to combat the candida fungus and prevent it from coming back again. To use tea tree oil:
Coconut oil Coconut oil is used in an Ayurvedic practice called oil pulling. Coconut oil, in particular, has antifungal properties that could help get rid of the candida yeast fungus from your mouth. To swish with coconut oil:
Yogurt Yogurt is full of healthy probiotics that encourage the production of healthy bacteria in your mouth. The presence of more healthy bacteria helps with oral thrush treatment and brings your Candida level down to normal. To use yogurt as a treatment:
Lemon juice Lemons have lots of antifungal properties and their acidity can help eliminate oral Candida yeast fungus. To make a lemon drink:
Turmeric This vibrant yellow wonder spice has anti-inflammatory abilities that can be useful in treating oral thrush as well. You can try making ‘golden milk' to drink by:
Oregano oil Oregano oil is a popular home remedy Oregano oil has antifungal and antimicrobial properties for treating this condition. To use:
There are also oregano oil supplements in pill form. Vitamin C Vitamin C helps to increase the production of stomach acids and enhances your immunity, stopping the growth of the fungus in your mouth. The easiest way to up your Vitamin C intake is to take vitamin C capsules. You can use aloe water in lieu of a plant Aloe vera Aloe vera is a household remedy known for its antifungal properties and its ability to soothe. You can simply take some gel from an aloe vera plant and apply it to your tongue and the inside of your cheeks once or twice a day. If you don't have a plant at home, you can buy Aloe Vera water online. Garlic Garlic contains allicin which is a powerful antifungal antiviral and antibiotic. To fight it with garlic, you will need to chew on a raw garlic glove once or twice a day. This is not a recommended treatment if you plan on going on any first dates! Also, be aware that raw garlic can burn your mouth, so it's a good idea to start with a small piece and see how it goes. That was a lot of home remedies! Have a look at the following table for a summary of some of the most common ones: The remedy Why it works Price Prevention mouthwash Kills harmful bacteria Check the latest price Probiotic supplement Improves immune health, slows the growth of yeast cells Check the latest price Tea tree oil Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties Check the latest price Coconut oil Antifungal properties Check the latest price Oregano oil Antifungal and anitmicrobial properties Check the latest price Hydrogen peroxide Antiseptic properties Check the latest price Apple cider vinegar Antifungal properties Check your cupboard Baking soda Prevents the growth of yeast Check your cupboard Saltwater Antiseptic properties Check your cupboard You can also watch the video below of Dr. Nemeth going through some home remedies for oral thrush, and then what to do if those don't work: Treatments for oral thrush in babiesWe've gone over the best home remedies for thrush in adults, now it's time to talk about what to do about it in babies' mouths. You'll find that some of the same natural remedies for adults are also recommended for children. These include applying a diluted cider vinegar application to the area and introducing yogurt into your baby's diet, as found by this study, because the lactobacillus in yogurt can help restore a healthy bacteria balance in your baby's mouth. When it comes to your baby, however, the best thing to do is to see your child's physician. They'll be able to recommend the best course of treatment, whether it be prescription oral drops or a simple home remedy. ConclusionThere's no need to panic about oral thrush, but equally you shouldn't ignore it once you notice the symptoms. As you can see, there are plenty of natural home remedies for curing the overpopulation of Candida fungus. However, we also recommend that you see a doctor if you have this condition, as it could be caused by an underlying health condition. Chances are, no matter why you have thrush, there are changes to your lifestyle you can make, or remedies you can use, to make the symptoms go away. It might be as simple making time to practice good oral hygiene. The best way to get rid of oral thrush fast is to visit your dentist or doctor. They can prescribe you fast-acting medication. Find a dentist near you now by calling 866-383-0748. Find a dentist near you now Click here to get connected or call 866-383-0748 (toll-free, 24/7) Call A DentistFAQsHow can you cure oral thrush fast?If you're wondering how to get rid of thrush quickly, the fastest way to cure oral thrush is to go to your doctor so they can prescribe you a fast-acting anti-fungal. You may also treat it at home. You can try any of or a combination of the remedies mentioned above. However you should always consult with your doctor before starting any treatment and if your symptoms don't go away, you should continue to seek medical help. Can you treat oral thrush over the counter?Oral thrush in some cases can be treated with over the counter antifungal mouthwash or antifungal supplements. But if that doesn't work, make sure to see your doctor, who can write you a prescription. Is oral thrush contagious?Be honest, what you really want to know is if you can kiss someone and either get or give oral thrush. The answer is: not necessarily. That's because yeast is present in everyone's mouth. So in order to develop thrush, you have to have an oral environment that is thrush-friendly. That being said, if you have oral thrush or you know someone else has oral thrush, it's best to put the kissing on hold until the problem has been resolved. Additionally, in some cases, an infant who has oral thrush can spread the yeast to their mother's nipples by breastfeeding and vice versa. How can I prevent oral thrush?The best way to prevent oral thrush is very simple. You can start by moderating the sugar in your diet and practicing proper oral hygiene (brushing and flossing daily). You should also make sure to visit the dentist once or twice a year. What is Oral Thrush? Candida Home Remedies, Causes and Prevention 3.6 (72.12%) 33 vote[s]Contributors: Natalie Asmussen Natalie used to work as a Community Health Worker and Health Insurance Navigator. She continues to follow her passion for connecting people with the healthcare they need by writing informative content about dentistry and medicine. Dr. Fanar Swaida Dr. Fanar Swaida is a passionate and highly experienced dentist in Mississauga Ontario Canada. After graduating from the University of Western Ontario and the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry, Dr. Swaida continued his formal education through multiple courses and mini residencies in a variety of dental specialties. Dr. Swaida tries to be available for his patients even during his off time and his number one priority is to make all of his patients feel comfortable and safe when they come to Rockwest dental Clinic Mississauga. Sources Neonatal and Pediatric Medicine: Oral Thrush in an Infant: A Case Report with Treatment Modalities. Consulted 22nd February 2020. Hiv.gov: Paying for HIV Care and Treatment. Consulted 22nd February 2020. Mayoclinic.org: Oral thrush. Consulted 22nd February 2020. NCBI: Effect of Oral Probiotics on Candidiasis. Consulted 18th November 2020 Dentaly.org Sign up to receive the latest news and offers from Dentaly.org Thank you, for signing up for Dentaly.org newsletter! You will receive a confirmation email. Oops error, Something has happened when you tried to send us your data. Please try later. Check the data you entered. What is the fastest way 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.
How do you treat thrush ASAP?8 ways to treat thrush. Anti-fungal treatments. These come in the form of creams or pessaries can be purchased over the counter to treat yeast infections. ... . Oral Medication. ... . Tea Tree Oil. ... . Garlic. ... . Coconut Oil. ... . Try Swapping Your Underwear For 100% Cotton Underwear. ... . Avoid Wearing Tight Fitting Clothing. ... . Probiotics.. What is the strongest treatment for oral thrush?For severe infections, the most common treatment is fluconazole (an antifungal medication) taken by mouth or through a vein. If patient does not get better after taking fluconazole, healthcare providers may prescribe a different antifungal.
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