Yeast infection in the mouth or also known as oral thrush is a condition caused by the accumulation of fungus Candida albicans in the lining of the mouth. Although Candida is a normal organism in the mouth, however, it can overgrow and appear as white rash inside the mouth especially in those with a weakened immune system.
The cause
There are some things that can cause oral thrush, they are:
- Weakened immune system
- Stress
- Cancer
- Dry mouth
- HIV infection
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Hormonal changes happened during pregnancy
- Unfit dentures
- Smoke
- Certain medication (like antibiotic or corticosteroid)
Symptoms
Symptoms is a sign that you have a yeast infection in the mouth/oral thrush, which are:
- Slightly raised lesions appeared like cottage-cheese
- A cottony feeling in the mouth
- Creamy white lesion on the tongue, inner cheeks, and sometimes on the roof of mouth, gums, and tonsils.
- Slight bleeding when the lesions are scraped
- Difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- Cracking and redness at the corners of the mouth
- Redness and irritation under the dentures
- Loss of taste
- Fever when the infection spreads beyond the esophagus
Prevention Measures
Below are some measures you can do to prevent oral thrush.
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss your teeth once a day
- Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash twice a day but don’t overuse it
- Visit your dentist regularly
- If you are using inhalers, clean it after each use
- Limit the consumption of food containing sugar and yeast
- Quit smoking
- Treat any chronic health issues you have
How to Treat
1. Lozenges
Lozenges (or pastilles) such as Mycostatin or Mycelex, are also available over the counter. They’re quite effective in treating thrush, make sure that you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients. Read also proper skin allergy treatment.
2. Fluconazole
One of the most common thrush treatments, fluconazole products are generally available over the counter.
Fluconazole-based drugs are a powerful way to cure thrush. There’s a chance that any other medicines you’re taking might interfere with fluconazole, so you have to let your doctor know of your health conditions and treatments.
3. Echinocadins
In some cases – especially with patients suffering from other conditions – echinocandins such as caspofungin are prescribed. They shouldn’t be taken unless you’ve consulted your doctor beforehand, and you won’t find them over the counter.
4. Nystatin
Nystatin can be found in the form of cream or drops, and it’s only available with a prescription. It’s a potent way of killing the candida albicans colonies, thus causing the thrush symptoms to disappear.
5. Fermented Vegetables
Fermented vegetables strengthen the immune system and boost microflora in the body. Kimchi, pickles and sauerkraut provide the body with probiotics and help to restore the balance of bacteria in the mouth and body. Regular consumption of fermented vegetables will also improve the immune system. You who are on diet might try Vegetable Salad for Diet.
6. Garlic
The allicin in raw garlic is a powerful antifungal, antibiotic and antiviral, making it one of several effective natural thrush treatments. Take one clove of raw garlic per day and use an organic raw garlic supplement to fight infections.
7. Caprylic Acid
Because caprylic acid acts as a natural yeast-fighting agent, it’s believed that it can penetrate the cell membranes of candida yeast cells and cause them to die off, detoxifying the digestive tract and speeding up the healing process. A 2001 study found that caprylic acid reduces symptoms associated with viral and fungal infections like candida. (16)
8. Myrrh Oil
Myrrh oil kills a variety of parasites and fungi, including candida. A 2012 study found that a combination of sodium fluoride present in toothpaste and herbal components such as myrrh, sage and chamomile exhibited anti fungal activity, stimulated immune response and reduced inflammation. The herbal toothpaste effectively controlled candida in the mouth.
9. Salt
Salt is the best remedy to treat oral thrush. It creates an inhospitable environment for the fungus. In addition, salt helps relieve symptoms quickly. However, be careful on Excessive Salt Consumption
- Mix ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water. Use it to gargle thoroughly, then spit it out. Repeat a few times daily until you are satisfied with the results.
- You can also sprinkle some salt on your tongue and the inside of your mouth, then rub it gently with your fingers for a few seconds. Rinse it out thoroughly with warm water. Use this remedy twice daily for a few days.
10. Starchy Vegetables
Vegetables like sweet potatoes, yams, peas, mung beans, lentils, kidney beans, butternut squash, carrots and beets are able to support the spleen in clearing candida from the body.
11. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar, a diabetes natural remedy, can help treat thrush. Mix a couple of teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 heaped teaspoons of salt in a cup of warm water. Gargle with the solution several times a day to get rid of thrush.
12. Olive Leaf
Olive leaf helps destroy the microorganisms that cause oral thrush, thanks to its powerful anti fungal properties. In addition, it contains an active ingredient called oleuropein that boosts your immunity.
- Take olive leaf extract (250 to 500 mg) 3 times daily. Consult your doctor for the proper dosage suitable for your condition.
- Drink a few cups of olive leaf tea daily. To make the tea, steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive leaf in a cup of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain it.
13. Cinnamon
Studies have shown that people who supplement cinnamon into their diets generally suffer from less candida overgrowth than those who don’t. According to a Brazilian study, of the many health benefits of cinnamon, one is its anticandidal compounds that can be effectively utilized for the control of thrush.
14. Oregano
Oregano oil has antiviral, antibacterial, anti fungal, anti parasitic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties! Take 500 milligrams or 5 drops daily for no more than 10 days at a time.
Oregano oil acts quickly to kill bacteria, viruses and infections within the body. A 2010 study published in the Brazilian Journal of Microbiology notes that oregano oil has powerful anti fungal activity against candida and may represent an alternative treatment for oral thrush. Add 1–2 drops of oregano oil to a glass of water; do not use oregano oil internally for more than 10 days without taking a week off.
15. Clove Essential Oil
One of the most powerful applications of clove oil is its ability to fight oral thrush. A study published in Microbiology was conducted to see how clove oil fared against other anti fungal treatments; the results suggest that clove was as effective as nystatin, a drug commonly prescribed to manage oral thrush (which comes with a slew of ugly side effects).
Another study conducted in 2005 found that clove oil possesses strong anti fungal activity against opportunistic fungal pathogens such as candida. Use 2–3 drops of clove oil with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and swish in the mouth for 20 minutes. Then spit it out and brush your teeth.
16. Unsweetened Cranberry Juice
Drinking a cup of unsweetened cranberry juice creates an acidic environment that makes it difficult for candida to thrive.
17. Baking Soda and Vinegar
For mothers with thrush on the nipples, apply white distilled vinegar and one teaspoon of baking soda diluted with 8 ounces of water to the infected area. You can ease thrush by applying a paste of baking soda and water with a cotton ball. Mix 2-3 teaspoons of baking soda powder in a cup of warm water. Dip the cotton ball in the paste and dab the paste on the affected area to provide relief. Apply the paste 2-3 times daily. Read also The Unhealthiness of Using Baking Soda on Skin
18. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties and the combination of lauric acid and caprylic acid found in coconut oil kills off harmful candida through ingestion and topical application. A 2007 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that coconut oil was active against species of candida at 100 percent concentration compared to fluconazole, a common anti fungal medication prescribed to patients with candida overgrowth.
19. Grapefruit Seeds
Grapefruit seed extract can help cure thrush. Applied directly to the lesion, or mixed with water (2 teaspoons oil in 1 cup warm water), grapefruit juice is known to reduce inflammation and heal the cut. Rinse your mouth with the solution several times a day to treat thrush.
20. Cultured Dairy
Adding cultured dairy and probiotic foods to your diet, like goat milk kefir and probiotic yogurt, can effectively kill the candida in the body by boosting probiotics and helping to restore the balance of bacteria.
21. Neem Leaves
Neem is a traditional medicinal tree. The part of this tree have been used to treat various diseases as well as health conditions. The potent anti fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties of neem make it become one of the most effective oral thrush remedies. Neem also contains the capacity to enhance the immune system to fight infections. The compounds edunin and nimbidol in neem extracts contain antifungal agents and help fight infections that lead to oral thrush.
In order to treat oral thrush, you take 3 drops of neem oil to swish around the mouth and swallow it. Besides, you can make neem tea to treat oral thrush. You simply clean and put 10 neem leaves into a glass of boiling water. Next, let it steep for about 10 minutes. Drink this tea a couple of times daily until your condition is improved.
22. Milk Thistle
Milk thistle supplements help to cleanse your liver from prescription medications, such as steroids, birth control pills and antibiotics. It also helps the body to detoxify environmental pollution, heavy metals and the remnants of chemotherapy and radiation — all factors that lead to a weakened immune system. Drinking Milk Before Sleeping is also good for adults.
23. Black Walnut Bark
Black walnut tree’s bark is considered to be very rich in tannin, which is laden with anti fungal and astringent properties. It also contains juglone, which has intense antibiotic properties.
Capsules consisting of black walnut bark are easily available in the market. Use them as per instructed in the labels. However, should you find access to actual black walnut bark, use some to chew and swish the juices in and around your mouth till the bark softens and becomes tasteless. This is proven to work faster than the capsules do.
24. Green Tea
The antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of green tea are also highly effective against eradication of oral thrush. Throw some washed green tea leaves into a pot of boiling water. Boil this till the water reduces to half, and the tea is of favorable color. Consume the fresh tea 3 – 4 times a day to see a visible reduction in the symptoms of oral thrush.
25. Vitamin C
Take 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C twice daily to boost the adrenal glands and restore the immune system.
26. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of the best home remedies for oral thrush that you can easily follow at home. Aloe vera has powerful anti fungal agents that can kill off the existing yeast and prevent the infection from spreading further. Besides, aloe vera gel also contains cooling properties, so it is effective in easing both discomfort and itching. You can apply both topically and orally depending on the severity and nature of the infection.
The aloe vera gel can be applied to the cheeks, tongue, and other affected mouth areas by using a cotton ball. Alternatively, drink ¼ cup of aloe vera juice daily to treat this oral health issue from the roots.
27. Colloidal silver
This beneficial alkaline and antiviral agent will support and strengthen the immune system. Take 1–2 tablespoons daily to fight infections.
28. Lemon Juice and Lemon Grass
Both of them are famous for their anti fungal agents that make them become a safe home remedy for oral thrush that you can use frequently. The lemon juice’s highly acidic nature makes it impossible for the infection to grow in our mouth.
Lemon juice also acts as a natural bleaching property that can lighten your skin tan and it is used in the skin lightening products. You can eat lemon grass infused lemon water and drinks to cure oral thrush. Also, you can directly apply lemon juice in the mouth several times daily to see the faster result.
29. Flax Seeds
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, this food is a natural immunity booster, so you can consider using it as a home remedy for oral thrush. Flax seeds are known to be effective in curing bacterial and fungal infections. You can drink 1 tsp of flax oil daily or digest ½ tsp of flax seeds to naturally reduce the fungus.
30. Turmeric
Turmeric has been used to treat inflammatory conditions, heart diseases, skin diseases, and to heal wounds for centuries. Turmeric contains powerful antiviral, antibacterial and anti fungal properties that make it become one of the best home remedies for oral thrush that you can easily find in the kitchen. You just need to peel and then crush some of the fresh turmeric roots to get 3 tsp of the paste. Add 2 spoonful of milk into this paste and mix it well.
Then, you swish this paste around the mouth for a couple of minutes and finally, split it out. Repeat this home remedy twice daily until your condition is improved. Consider doing this home remedy if you want to get rid of oral thrush as soon as possible.
Those are some remedies that you can try at home to get rid of thrust. Hopefully, it can be useful for you.