My research for someone who has issues with thrush:
Compiling here the information, to help others. If you had this condition, you are welcome to respond how you were able to get rid of it.
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Few notes from above results:
15 Effective Home Remedies For Oral Thrush
Clear out this infection from your mouth with apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, or essential oils. Oral thrush is a fungal infection that affects people of all ages. However, you can minimize it with a few home remedies for oral thrush. The condition mostly occurs due to a pH imbalance in your mouth and poor oral health. However, oral thrush may also indicate an underlying medical condition.
It is often treated with medications, but some home remedies can help manage the symptoms. This article lists the best home remedies for oral thrush, its causes, and prevention tips. Take a look.
1. Apple cider vinegar is known to have antifungal properties. Consuming it daily can help combat the fungal infection caused by oral thrush (2).
In a glass of warm water, add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. You can also add honey for flavor. Sip it slowly. You can do this twice a day.
2. Coconut Oil
Oil pulling with coconut oil can help in treating oral thrush.
This is because the antifungal properties of coconut oil may help eliminate the yeast fungus (3). Using coconut oil for candida is a natural remedy that many find effective in reducing symptoms.
Swish coconut oil in your mouth every morning on an empty stomach. Continue doing it for 10 to 15 minutes and then spit it out. You can do this once a day in the morning.
3. Place a tablespoon of yogurt in your mouth. Leave it for 5 minutes before swallowing it. You can do it thrice a day.
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, can kill fungal agents that cause infections (5). A baking soda rinse might help treat oral thrush too – though more information is needed in this regard.
Mix ½ a tablespoon of baking soda in a glass of water and rinse your mouth with the solution. You can do it 2 to 3 times a day until you see results.
5. Essential Oils
Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and has anti-inflammatory properties.
It may combat the fungus that causes oral thrush (6 7), (6 7). You can also replace tea tree oil with peppermint oil. Peppermint oil has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial properties – and may help treat (8). For those seeking effective home remedies for white tongue, both tea tree and peppermint oils can be beneficial additions to your treatment regimen.
Mix 2 tablespoons of tea tree oil and 2 teaspoons of water (if you are using peppermint oil, mix 2 to 3 drops in a glass of water). Swish this solution inside your mouth for 30 to 60 seconds and spit it out. Do this 4 to 5 times a day for optimum results.
6. GARLIC: Garlic contains allicin, a compound known for its powerful antifungal, antiviral, and antibiotic properties (9). It also may help treat symptoms of oral thrush. However, more research is warranted in this regard.
Chew a clove of raw garlic for 2 to 3 minutes and swallow it. You can do this thrice a day
7. Salt Water Rinse
Salt or NaCl is antifungal in nature. It mainly promotes osmoregulationi and diverts an organism away from its growth (10). This may help fight the fungus. This method may provide immediate thrush relief and promotes healing.
Mix ½ a tablespoon of salt in lukewarm water. Rinse your mouth with this solution. You can do it thrice a day.
8. Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is rich in nutrients and is acidic. It creates an acidic environment in your mouth and may kill most fungi. The proanthocyanidinsi in cranberries exhibit anti-adherencei properties that inhibit the adherence of C. albicans inside your mouth (11).
Drink a cup of unsweetened cranberry juice once or twice a day.
9. LEMON: Lemon is replete with antifungal agents and may help treat oral thrush (12).
Squeeze half a lemon in a glass of water. Add honey and ginger for flavor. Drink immediately without storing it. You can do it twice or thrice a day.
10. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant and is also acidic. It enhances immunity and may help fight oral thrush (13). However, more information is warranted in this area.
You can consume a 1000 mg vitamin C capsule twice a day. However, inform your doctor before consuming any medication. You can do it twice a day.
Tips
Oral thrush may also be a result of a deficiency in vitamins B3 and D or iron. In such cases, the respective vitamins and minerals must be taken to address oral thrush.
11. PINAPPLE - Pineapples contain bromelain, a potential antifungal agent that breaks down microorganisms and eliminates them (16). This may help in combating fungal infection.
Cut ¼ a pineapple into small pieces. Chew on these pieces once a while. You can do this 2 to 3 times a day.
Preventing Oral Thrush
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss regularly.
- If you are on antibiotics, include yogurt in your diet.
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.
- Avoid intake of sugar and sweets. Also, stay away from pork meat, fish like tuna and swordfish, some dairy products, processed vegetable oils, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks.
- Follow a diet rich in vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, vegetables, proteins, and fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi.
- Excessive alcohol use can irritate the mouth and create an environment conducive to fungal growth.
- Dry air can irritate the mouth and increase the risk of infection. Using a humidifier can help keep your mouth moist.
Oral thrush is often mild and is not a cause for concern. The symptoms are also usually moderate and can be treated quite easily. Although the remedies mentioned here can help in the treatment of oral thrush to a large extent, it is better to see your doctor if the condition persists. You must also always follow a healthy diet and practice good oral hygiene to prevent the recurrence of this infection in the future.
In the following section, we will look at the causes of oral thrush.
Medical Treatments For Oral Thrush
Oral thrush can be effectively treated through medical treatments like (30):
- Antifungal Medications: Doctors often prescribe antifungal medications like fluconazole, clotrimazole, or nystatin in the form of lozenges, mouth rinses, or oral tablets.
- Oral Gels: Antifungal gels containing miconazole or clotrimazole can be applied directly to the affected areas inside the mouth for localized treatment.
- Probiotics: Probiotic supplements or yogurt containing beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus may help restore the natural balance of microorganisms in the mouth.
- Good Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and an antiseptic mouthwash may prevent the spread of the infection and promote healing and good dental health.
- Addressing The Underlying Cause: Controlling the underlying conditions, such as diabetes or immune system disorders, may help individuals prevent oral thrush.
However, it is recommended to consult a doctor before trying any of the treatments.
When To See A Doctor?
If you observe any white patches or lesions that are red and painful, consult your doctor immediately. An early diagnosis and initiation of treatment can reduce the progression and severity of the thrush.
Can oral thrush be contagious?
Generally, oral thrush is not contagious but it can be spread in limited circumstances. For example, it can be passed from mother to infant during breastfeeding if the mother has thrush. Additionally, people with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to contracting thrush from others. However, in most cases, oral thrush is not spread through casual contact.
Can you scrape off oral thrush?
Yes, you may be able to scrape off oral thrush from your tongue and reveal red blister-like formations on the tongue. However, scraping off oral thrush will only temporarily remove the buildup and is not a cure of the condition. Your healthcare provider may scrape off oral thrush to make a diagnosis of the infection.
What should I eat when I have oral thrush?
Eating probiotics such as yogurt and other fermented foods are strongly recommended for individuals with mild cases of oral thrush. Probiotics can help populate the body with “good microorganisms” that may facilitate recovery.
Is oral thrush temporary?
Yes, oral thrush is temporary. However, if you have a weak immune system and leave the condition untreated, it may last for months or even years. In rare cases, the infection may penetrate deeper and reach the circulatory system resulting in sepsis, a life-threatening blood poisoning (31).
Can oral thrush make you feel sick?
Yes, anecdotal evidence suggests that apart from the regular symptoms, oral thrush may leave you feeling sick, tired, and fatigued. This may especially be true if you have a weakened immune system.
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