Tag: oral thrush

Health Care

Oral Thrush – All You Need to Know

Author Byaqilrl

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

Dental Care

Home Remedies For Oral Thrush

Author Byaqilrl

Oral thrush is basically infection that effects tongue and can spread in mouth also. It is often experience by babies and often called as oral candidiasis in medical terms.

This condition can even affect the other portions of the tongue around your mouth. You need not worry if you are one of them who are experiencing this condition, however it is harmless we have disclosed number of home remedies for oral thrush in this article.

Let’s get deep in to the topic:

Table Of Contents

  • What is oral thrush?
  • Causes of oral thrush
  • Symptoms of oral thrush
  • Home remedies to treat oral thrush
  1. Coconut Oil
  2. Salt Water
  3. Baking Soda
  4. Aloe Vera
  5. Apple Cider Vinegar
  6. Green Tea
  7. Yogurt Or Butter Milk
  8. Lemon Juice
  9. Garlic
  10. Boric Acid
  11. Grape Fruit Seeds Extract
  12. Tea Tree And Peppermint Essential Oil
  • Risk factors of oral thrush
  • Preventive Measures

What Is Oral Thrush?

Oral thrush is a tongue infection caused by the formation of yeast called candida albogans which develops insider your mouth and on the tongue.

Generally, everyone have little amount of this fungus in mouth without causing any harm. When this fungus begins to grow uncontrollably it leads to mouth infection called oral thrush.

Most of the individuals will not face any severe health issues because of this condition, it rarely causes complications. However, this condition can cause complications for those who have weak immune system.

Causes Of Oral Thrush

Oral thrush can easily occur by spreading of fungus called Candida albogans uncontrollably in your mouth. It can also occur, when your immune system gets weaken by using certain medications which automatically reduces good micro organisms which prevent the infection.

Diseases like diabetes, leukemia and HIV will increase the risk of oral thrush and one of the surprising thing is that same fungus will also cause yeast infections in pregnant women too.

Symptoms Of Oral Thrush

Oral thrush typically develops suddenly, but symptoms become noticeable and more serious unknowingly.

Some of the symptoms include:

  • Inflammation in oral
  • Creamy lesions on your tongue or roof of the mouth or sides of your cheeks
  • Erosion of tooth enamel
  • Pain
  • Loss of taste
  • Sometimes bleeding
  • Oral mucus

Home Remedies To Treat Oral Thrush

As we known the causes, symptoms of oral thrush, just take a look on some home remedies too!

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is capable of eliminating thrush easily from your mouth and prevents all the bacteria which often lead to cause of infections in your mouth.

What To Do

  • Mix couple of teaspoons of coconut oil in a glass of warm water. Gargle this mixture twice or thrice per day.
  • You can also soak a cotton ball in coconut oil and dab the affected area with this mixture regularly to get rid out of thrush.

2. Salt Water

Salt water is one of the best home remedies to treat thrush easily. The powerful components in salt water will remove all the thrush from your mouth and keep it healthy.

What You Need To Do

  • Mix one table spoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle with this mixture twice or thrice in a day. Probably, by the second week you will see the results.

3. Baking Soda

Baking soda is considered as another effective home remedy for removing thrush in your mouth.

What You Need To Do

  • Mix table spoon of baking soda in two table spoons of water to form a paste. Dab this paste on the affected area by using a cotton ball. Apply this paste two times in a day to get relief.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera gel also helps to heal thrush and get rid of certain bacteria and virus that causes infections.

What You Need To Do

  • You can directly apply aloe Vera gel on the affected area or you can drink ¼th glass of aloe vera juice regularly.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Use apple cider vinegar to maintain healthy oral hygiene as well as to get rid of thrush. This can be used as mouthwash.

What You Need To Do

  • Mix one table spoon of apple cider vinegar in one glass of warm water. Gargle this mixture at least for 3 times in a day.

6. Green Tea

Home Remedies For Oral Thrush

Green tea also heals thrush which can be used for both infants and adults.

What You Need To Do

  • Boil green tea leaves in a cup full of water.
  • Allow it to cool down at room temperature, now apply this mixture on the affected area by using a cotton ball.

7. Yogurt Or Butter Milk

The powerful properties in yogurt will fight against the fungus called Candida and remove thrush. The probiotic properties in yogurt will also help to heal inflammations and cuts in the mouth.

What You Need To Do

  • Eat a small cup of yogurt twice or thrice regularly to heal the thrush.

8. Lemon Juice

The anti fungal properties in lemon can remove the fungus of candida and heals thrush.

What You Need To Do

  • You just swish little amount of lemon juice in your mouth for at least 4-5 times in a day.

9. Garlic

The antimicrobial properties in garlic will help to remove all the bacteria and fungi which lead to infection in your mouth.

What You Need To Do

  • Eat raw garlic or take garlic pills regularly to get rid of thrush.

10. Boric Acid

Boric acid can be used as mouth wash for the people who are experiencing oral thrush.

What You Need To Do

  • Mix one table spoon of boric acid in cup of warm water and use it as a mouth wash twice in a day.

11. Grape Fruit Seeds Extract

Grape seed extract will also help to heal thrush easily. This oil is often known to reduce inflammation and cuts in the mouth.

What You Need To Do

  • Mix two table spoons of oil in cup of warm water and apply directly on the affected area.
  • You can use this mixture for mouth wash and rinse your mouth several times in a day.

12. Tea Tree And Peppermint Essential Oil

Essential oils do wonders in maintaining oral health. Especially mixture of tea tree oil and peppermint oil will heal thrush and maintain oral hygiene.

What You Need To Do

  • Mix 2 table spoons of tea tree oil with one table spoon of peppermint oil
  • Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and apply it on the affected area twice in a day to get rid of thrushes.

Risk Factors For Oral Thrush

The following are some of the risk factors which help you to protect yourself from certain fungal infections which causes oral thrush

  • Antibiotics: Never take antibiotics until and unless doctor’s prescribe, because this may kill the bacteria or it resists the growth of good bacteria in your mouth.
  • Dry Mouth: people with less amount of saliva formation in their mouth are more prone to oral thrush.
  • Excessive Usage Of Mouthwash: Excessive usage of mouthwash also leads to kill the good bacteria and leads to the cause of oral thrush easily.
  • Smoking: even smokers are at higher risk to develop oral easily in their lives.
  • Diet: if you are following the diet which has low in iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 will also affect the infected rates.
  • Steroid Medication: Long lasting use of steroid medication also leads to increase the risk of developing oral thrush.

Precautions To Prevent Oral Thrush

The following precautions will help you to prevent the occurrence of oral thrush.

  • Brush your teeth twice in a day.
  • Rinse your mouth after eating or every food intake and meals
  • Don’t include excessive amount of sugar in your diet.
  • If you have diabetes, make sure you maintain it in control state
  • Stop smoker, if you are a smoker
  • Wash and clean your dentures thoroughly after meal and remove them during night

It is possible to treat and prevent oral thrush by following all preventative measures and if none of them works, then immediately consult your dentist.