Also called “oral candidiasis”, oral thrush is an infection caused by the genus Candida and affects the mucous membrane of your mouth. How do you get oral thrush? Fungi like Candida Albicans, Candida Tropicalis, and Candida Glabrata are responsible for the infection
Oral thrush is usually not a serious condition and improves within a few days with simple home remedies. The outcome is generally very good too! However, people with a weak immune system can have very severe signs and symptoms of candida infection. It tends to reappear in people who are habitual of alcohol consumption and smoking.
In this write-up, we will let you know everything about oral thrush, including various causes, symptoms, and treatment, etc.
Some Facts You Should Know About Oral Thrush
- Oral thrush is a very common condition and doesn’t usually cause major complications.
- People having a weak immune system can get affected very easily, and develop severe symptoms.
- Recurrence of oral thrush is common after chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- Factors like wearing dentures, using steroids, and having diabetes are commonly linked with oral thrush.
- A creamy, white-colored layer in the mouth is one of the most obvious symptoms of oral thrush.
What causes oral thrush in adults?
Your body is a house in very tiny quantities of a different genus of Candida Fungi. They survive in different parts of your body including the stomach, mouth, skin, and digestive tract, etc. without causing any problem whatsoever. However, people with a weak immune system, under certain medications, certain diseases, are prone to the Candida infection when they grow uncontrollably.
What Are Different Symptoms of Candida Infections?
Thick, creamy deposits on the tongue and the mucous membrane of the mouth is the major symptom of infection.
Some other accompanying symptoms are:
- Slightly red, a swollen mucous membrane with raised patches accompanied by burning.
- Bleeding when the deposits are scraped.
- Change in the size, area and color of the deposits.
- Redness and soreness of tongue and gums, especially in people who wear dentures regularly.
Symptoms of Oral Thrush in Infants:
- Oral thrush in infants is usually mistaken for milk curds. The patches of oral thrush stick to the tongue and mouth and are not removable easily.
- Soreness of mouth with difficulty swallowing
- Diaper rash, as the infection-causing fungi will be in baby’s stool as well.
- The baby is unable to eat due to excessive soreness of the mouth and throat. Sometimes, it is mistaken for the lack of hunger or poor supply of mother’s milk.
Classification of Oral Thrush Based on Appearance
- Pseudomembranous – The classic, and most common type of oral thrush appearing as there is a new layer of the membrane inside the mouth.
- Erythematous –Red and raw appearance of the mucous membrane
- Hyperplastic – The least common variant, suggesting serious infection. It is also known as “plaque-like candidiasis” or “nodular candidiasis” and is due to the accumulation of solid white plaque which becomes hard with time.
How long does oral thrush last without treatment?
Usually, the cases of oral thrush are mild and go away with antifungal mouth rinse or lozenges. Very mild cases of infection are improved within a couple of weeks without treatment. However, you may have to take an oral antifungal medicine in the second week itself to improve the symptoms. In some cases, the symptoms don’t go away in several weeks even after treatment.
Also Read: Home Remedies for Upset Stomach and Diarrhea
If the infection is not treated for a few weeks, it may start affecting other parts of the body, including oesophagus, throat, skin, and even vagina and anus in very rare and severe cases.
Recurrence of oral thrush is seen in people who:
- Use corticosteroids to treat asthma
- Take antibiotics for a very long time
- Have a weak immune system
- Have artificial teeth
Is oral thrush contagious?
No, it is not contagious. Yes, the yeast or fungi can spread from person to person, but if you get in touch with someone having oral thrush, you won’t get the infection only by coming into contact.
Oral Thrush and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can also be one of the rare cases of oral thrush. Candida infection can affect any part of your body, including breasts and nipples. But the infection can’t develop until you have an infection on the skin. You can identify the candida infection if there are more redness and soreness than usual.
If your nipples or breasts are infected, especially during breastfeeding, the fungi may transmit to your baby. Your baby may not necessarily get the infection through breastfeeding. However, if your baby already has excessive yeast in the mouth, the risk of developing oral thrush is increased.
And similarly, if your baby is affected with oral thrush, you may get fungus from the baby’s mouth to your nipples. And, again, it doesn’t mean, you will develop an infection unless you have a very weak immune system.
So, breastfeeding is usually completely safe whether you or your baby have oral thrush.
Home remedies to get rid of oral thrush
You can treat mild cases of oral thrush with home remedies, and without visiting a doctor. The following are some effective home remedies for mild oral thrush. Don’t rely only on these remedies if the condition doesn’t improve in a week or so.
1. Baking Soda
Washing your mouth with sodium carbonate may help you to get rid of oral thrush. Although baking soda is not among the best natural disinfectants, it can be a safe and viable natural alternative.
To use:
- Add half tbsp of baking soda to one cup of warm water and dissolve properly.
- Take a sip of the solution and swish in your mouth for a few seconds before spitting out.
2. Saltwater
Saltwater contains cleansing, antiseptic, and soothing properties, and can be a very effective home remedy for a wide range of oral complaints.
Rinsing your mouth with salt water can be helpful to improve the symptoms of oral thrush
To Use:
- Add half tbsp of salt to one cup of warm water and dissolve.
- Swish salt water in your mouth and spit out after a few seconds.
3. Yogurt
Yogurt is one of the best sources of “good” bacteria and can easily be among the best home remedies to get rid of oral thrush.
Bacteria cultures in yogurt don’t necessarily kill Candida but can stop the growth and control infection. It can also maintain a decent balance of good bacteria in your mouth. Yogurt is very soft, and can also be a good food option if you are having difficulty swallowing due to infection.
To Improve Symptoms
- Add a bowl of yogurt to your diet, preferably to breakfast when you get early signs of oral thrush.
- Probiotic supplements are good alternatives for those who don’t like yogurt or have allergies to it.
4. Lemon Juice
Thanks to its antiseptic and antifungal prowess, lemon juice can get rid of infection-causing fungi
- Add the juice of half a lemon to one cup of water.
- Add honey as a taste enhancer and drink or use to rinse your mouth.
5. Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract can be effective against various ailments. And due to its antifungal properties, it becomes one of the potent home remedies to get rid of oral thrush. Regular usage of the grape seed extract can also boost your immune system and prevent the chances of recurrence of fungal infections.
- Get 250 mg grape seed extract supplement from a nearby medical or grocery store.
- Consume this thrice daily until you notice positive results.
6. Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice is not only refreshing and tangy; it can control the growth of fungus in your mouth thanks to its acidic nature. It contains bromelain and hence is effective in breaking down the debris and thick white layer formed inside the mouth.
- Cut a few slices of pineapples into small pieces
- Chew the pieces numerous times a day to give quick relief to oral thrush symptoms.
Natural remedies for oral thrush in babies:
Babies are usually susceptible to the infection mainly due to a weak immune system, and you need to give some special treatment if your baby got oral thrush. Here are some effective remedies for oral thrush in babies.
You can use mild natural remedies like coconut oil, saltwater, and yogurt, etc. to help your baby overcome Candida infection. Instead of giving them for drinking or eating, you should apply these home remedies to affected areas using a cotton swab. That’s the most effective way of easing mild oral thrushes in babies.
If the condition doesn’t improve within a few days, you should not waste any time and visit pediatrics for proper antifungal treatment.
Oral thrush is not a serious complication until it is managed in the early days. If goes untreated, it can spread to other internal body parts, mainly the esophagus, and cause some very severe symptoms. We tried to discuss everything about oral thrush, including some very effective natural remedies. Hopefully, you are now very well on how to get rid of oral thrush when it is in an early stage. If the infection becomes moderate from mild, you may have to get some antifungal and even antibiotic medications. And hence, proper treatment under medical supervision is advised.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/is-thrush-contagious
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/178864
https://www.cigna.com/individuals-families/health-wellness/hw/medical-topics/thrush-hw139068#hw139112
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/oral-thrush-in-adults#:~:text=Oral%20thrush%20is%20a%20fungal,group%20of%20yeasts%20called%20Candida.
https://www.parents.com/baby/health/thrush/home-remedies-for-thrush-in-babies/#:~:text=Diluted%20baking%20soda%20(sodium%20bicarbonate,the%20mother’s%20nipples%20before%20breastfeeding.
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/simple-home-remedies-for-oral-thrush/#LemonJuice