Oral thrush, or oropharyngeal candidiasis, is a type of yeast infection that comes inside your mouth and on your tongue.
The infection causes little creamy- white bumps, usually on the tongue or inner cheeks. If they’re not taken care of right away, they can spread to the roof of your mouth, gums, tonsils, or the back of your throat.
First, before I list all the remedies and natural treatment let us understand what causes this oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush) and the symptoms that may emerge.
Causes of oral thrush
Adult oral thrush is more likely to become a problem for the following people:
- People who wear dentures
- Antibiotics
- Excessive mouthwash use
- Steroid medication
- Weakened immune system
- Diabetes
- Dry mouth
- malnutrition
Symptoms of oral thrush
Oral thrush in adults generally appears as thick, white or cream-coloured deposits (spots) on the mucous membrane of the mouth (wet parts of the inside of the mouth).
Other signs include,
- Redness
- Soreness
- A cottony feeling
- A hard time swallowing
- and loss of taste.
There are also some simple home cures to control the infection and lessen the signs.
Here are the top 10 home treatments for oral thrush.
If you keep getting oral thrush it can be a sign of something lacking in your immune system. Therefore, the first step you need to take is to build your immune system through a healthy diet. Also, take care of your mouth properly and make sure it stays clean, exercise all the time, and get proper sleep and rest.
1. Mouth rinse with saltwater.
Salt is the best way to treat oral thrush because it makes your mouth unfit for the fungus to live in. Also, salt helps lessen signs quickly. It's actually easy to make a personal saltwater-based mouth rinse. Add ½ a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water.
Rinse your mouth every two to three hours for the first day after the onset of candida, then use it three to four times second day thereafter. You can use the rinse to: soothe and heal the thrush or mouth sores. Also, you can use it to treat a sore throat caused by strep, tonsillitis or even a common cold.
2. Probiotic Yogurt
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a type of “helpful” bacteria that are found naturally in the body, usually in the intestines, mouth, or female genitals. It’s considered useful for human health purposes because the bacteria don’t cause disease. Yogurt can help treat thrush because it has live or active cultures of the lactobacilli kind. It also helps your digestion. Use only plain, unsweetened ones to treat oral thrush.
Lactobacillus is a popular probiotic. Probiotics are live bacteria that help the body absorb nutrients and maintain the right balance of helpful bacteria. They’ve been used to treat several medical conditions.
Here are some common brands that have lactobacillus acidophilus:
- Chobani
- Dannon
- Yoplait
- Fage
- Stonyfield
- Siggi
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a good cure for fighting oral infections. It helps get rid of the yeast and ease the discomfort that comes with thrush.
In a small study, the oil fight candida has reduced colonization with Candida albicans in mice, suggesting it could be a treatment for oral thrush.
Using a cotton swab, put extra- virgin coconut oil on the inner mouth area and tongue. Do this a few times a day for a week.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has enzymes that can control candida infection. It also builds up the body’s acid level so it can fight the yeast that’s growing and causing infection. It also boosts the immune system and gives you a strong guard against candida.
A study done in 2014 showed that vinegar had antifungal properties against Candida species.
Also, The main substance in vinegar, acetic acid, can kill harmful bacteria or prevent them from multiplying.
Rinse your mouth every two to three hours for the first days after the onset of the infection, then use it three to four times second day thereafter. You can use it to: soothe and heal oral thrush.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca, is well-known for its powerful antiseptic properties and ability to treat wounds, which is why it’s one of the top antibacterial essential oils.
The oil is another thing that can be used to treat oral thrush. It has antifungal properties that control the growth of yeast and help it heal quickly. Researchers found that tea tree oil and its parts had a great effect on candida Albicans.
6. Baking Soda
Baking soda is not only used for whitening your teeth, but it also has numerous health and hygiene benefits. Sodium bicarbonate is a good, cheap cure for oral thrush. It can kill the yeast that causes the infection. It also helps keep a balanced acid level in the mouth by killing harmful acids.
For an incredibly effective natural cure, use a mixture of six parts of Sodium bicarbonate to one part of sea salt.
Place them in a blender and mix for 30 seconds, then place in a container to use. Wet the tip of your index finger and place a small amount of the salt and soda mixture on your tongue or inner cheeks. Then, after 15 minutes rinse your mouth. This mixture is incredibly effective at killing bacteria.
7. Cinnamon oil
There are many potential benefits of cinnamon when it comes to defending the body from illness. It contains natural antimicrobial, antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral properties and its essential oils contain powerful immune-boosting compounds as well
Cinnamon oil is another good home remedy to fight this oral yeast infection. It kills parasites and fungi to control the growth of candida albicans, according to results of a lab study, published in 2016.
8. Garlic
Garlic kills fungi, so it helps kill yeast in your mouth and boosts your immune system.
How to Use?
The herb can be consumed raw but the taste is so potent that people usually prefer cooking it or adding it to various dishes.
9. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil stops the yeast that causes oral thrush from growing. A study done in 2001 showed that because oregano oil kills fungi, it’s good for fighting candida Albicans.
Whether a person applies it topically or takes an oral supplement, the oil may be helpful for a range of conditions. Compounds in the oil have effective antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which explain many of the benefits.
10. Olive Leaf
Olive leaf helps kill the germs that cause oral thrush because it works powerfully to kill fungi. Also, it has an active ingredient called oleuropein, which boosts your immune system.
Drink a few cups of olive leaf tea every day.
Oral thrush treatment
Doctors will usually prescribe anti-thrush drugs, such as nystatin or miconazole in the form of drops, gel, or lozenges. Also, your dentist may prescribe a topical oral suspension which is washed around the mouth and then swallowed.
Conclusion
Make sure to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Brush your teeth two times a day, floss once a day, and never share your toothbrush. Don’t eat too many sugary foods that can cause yeast infections in your mouth.
Resource(s):
- Oral thrush in adults. (2019, April 13). Retrieved from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Oral-thrush---adults/Pages/Introduction.aspx
- Oropharyngeal/esophageal candidiasis ("thrush"). (2014, April 2019). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/thrush/
Disclaimer: This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
