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How to cure tongue thrush. Comprehensive Guide: 9 Home Remedies to Cure Tongue Thrush

How to cure tongue thrush with 9 home remedies. Learn about the effectiveness of salt water, baking soda, yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, clove oil, apple cider vinegar and more. Get relief for oral thrush symptoms.

Effective Home Remedies to Cure Tongue Thrush

Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a yeast infection that occurs in the mouth. It happens when there’s an overgrowth of the Candida albicans fungus in the lining of the mouth. While antifungal medication is often prescribed to treat oral thrush, you can also find relief with various home remedies.

1. Salt Water Rinse

Rinsing your mouth with a salt water solution can help relieve the symptoms of oral thrush. Salt has antiseptic, cleansing, and soothing properties that can aid in the treatment of this condition. To use, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water, swish the solution throughout your mouth, and then spit it out.

2. Baking Soda Rinse

Rinsing your mouth with a baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) solution may also be effective in treating oral thrush. A 2009 study found that, although not the most effective disinfectant, baking soda was a “viable alternative” for disinfecting Candida albicans on acrylic resin. To use, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of warm water, swish the rinse throughout your mouth, and then spit it out.

3. Probiotic Yogurt

Probiotic yogurt contains live, “good” bacteria cultures that may help treat oral thrush. These cultures don’t kill the Candida fungus, but they can stop its growth and help restore the proper balance of good and bad bacteria in the mouth. Eat unsweetened yogurt a few times a day at the first sign of oral thrush, or take a daily probiotic supplement if you don’t like yogurt.

4. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is thought to have antiseptic and antifungal properties that can help fight the fungus that causes thrush. A small 2009 study found lemon juice to be a more effective treatment for oral thrush than gentian violet among people with HIV. To use, add the juice of half a lemon to 1 cup of warm or cool water and either drink the mixture or use it as a mouth rinse. Applying lemon juice directly to the lesions may cause burning and irritation due to the acidity.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. A 2010 study on mice found that curcumin may be an effective antifungal against both albicans and non-albicans species of Candida, especially when combined with piperine (a compound found in black pepper that helps the body absorb turmeric). To use, make “golden milk” by combining 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric paste with a dash of black pepper and 1 cup of filtered water or milk, then swish the mixture throughout your mouth as you drink it.

6. Clove Oil

Clove oil has been used as a folk remedy for oral problems for centuries and is still used in dentistry today as an antiseptic and pain reliever. According to a 2005 study, clove oil was found to be effective in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans. To use, apply a small amount of clove oil directly to the affected area using a cotton swab.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is thought to have antifungal properties that may help treat oral thrush. A small 2005 study found that apple cider vinegar was effective in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans. To use, dilute 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and use as a mouth rinse.

When to See a Doctor

If home remedies don’t provide relief or the symptoms of oral thrush worsen, it’s important to see a healthcare provider. Antifungal medications may be necessary to fully clear the infection. Additionally, if you have a weakened immune system or underlying medical condition, it’s crucial to seek professional medical treatment for oral thrush.

Conclusion

While antifungal medications are often prescribed to treat oral thrush, various home remedies can also provide relief for the symptoms of this condition. From salt water and baking soda rinses to probiotic yogurt and natural oils, these remedies can be used alongside prescribed treatments to help manage the infection and discomfort. However, it’s essential to see a healthcare provider if home remedies do not improve the symptoms or if the condition worsens.

9 Home Remedies for Thrush

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Oral thrush is treated with antifungal medication, but you can also ease uncomfortable symptoms with home remedies such as salt water, yogurt, clove oil, apple cider vinegar, and more.

Oral thrush, also called oral candidiasis, is a yeast infection of the mouth. It happens when there’s a buildup of the Candida albicans fungus in the lining of the mouth.

Oral thrush may occur in adults or children.

If you have oral thrush, you’ll need antifungal medication to clear the yeast. However, you may be able to help manage bothersome symptoms with home remedies, too.

Read on to learn how you can help treat the symptoms of this condition at home.

It’s important to treat oral thrush as soon as possible to contain the infection. Doctors often prescribe antifungal medications in the form of mouthwashes, pills, or lozenges.

Mild cases of oral thrush may go away on their own.

The following home remedies, used in addition to antifungal medications, may help relieve symptoms of the infection.

1. Salt water

Salt has antiseptic, cleansing, and soothing properties. This makes it a common home remedy for many oral problems.

Rinsing your mouth with salt water could help relieve symptoms of oral thrush.

To use:

  1. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water.
  2. Swish the solution throughout your mouth.
  3. Spit out the salt solution.

2. Baking soda

Rinsing your mouth with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) may help treat oral thrush.

In a 2009 study, researchers looked at the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate as a disinfectant of Candida albicans adhered to acrylic resin. The test was meant to simulate the daily disinfecting of dentures.

Researchers concluded that, although not the most effective form of disinfectant, baking soda was a “viable alternative.”

To use:

  1. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 1 cup warm water.
  2. Swish the rinse throughout your mouth.
  3. Spit out the rinse.

3. Yogurt

Probiotic yogurt contains live, “good” bacteria cultures that may help treat oral thrush.

The cultures don’t kill Candida. Instead, they stop its growth. They may also help restore the proper balance of good to bad bacteria in the mouth.

Since it’s soft, yogurt is also a great food to eat if you’re having trouble swallowing due to painful mouth and throat lesions.

To use:

  1. Eat yogurt a couple times daily at the first sign of oral thrush.
  2. Choose unsweetened varieties of yogurt since Candida thrives on sugar.
  3. If you don’t like yogurt, you can get the same benefits by taking a daily probiotic supplement.

4. Lemon juice

Lemon juice is thought to have antiseptic and antifungal abilities that help it fight against the fungus that causes thrush.

According to a small 2009 study, lemon juice was found to be a more effective treatment for oral thrush than gentian violet among people with HIV. (Gentian violet is another home remedy for oral thrush, but recent evidence shows it may cause cancer. ) Since the study was small, more research is needed.

To use:

  1. Add the juice of half a lemon to 1 cup warm or cool water.
  2. Drink the mixture, or use as a mouth rinse.

Some people apply lemon juice directly to thrush lesions, but the lemon’s acidity may cause burning and irritation.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric gets its vibrant yellow color from curcumin. Curcumin is a powerful compound thought to have anti-inflammatory abilities.

According to a 2010 study on mice, curcumin may treat oral thrush. The study found curcumin to be an antifungal against both albicans and non-albicans species of Candida, especially when combined with piperine.

Piperine is a compound found in black pepper that helps the body absorb turmeric. Further research is needed on humans.

To use:

  1. Make “golden milk” by combining 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon turmeric paste (store-bought or homemade) with a dash of black pepper and 1 cup filtered water or milk of your choice.
  2. Heat in a saucepan until warm.
  3. Swish the mixture throughout your mouth as you drink it.

6. Clove oil

People have used clove oil as a folk remedy for oral problems for centuries. It’s still used in dentistry today as an antiseptic and pain reliever.

According to a 2005 in vivo and in vitro study on immunosuppressed rats, the main compound in clove oil (eugenol) was found to be as effective in treating oral thrush as the antifungal drug nystatin (Mycostatin).

Further research on humans is still needed, but it may work as a beneficial addition to treatment.

To use:

Take clove oil as a dietary supplement as directed by the manufacturer or your doctor. You can also make a clove mouth rinse:

  1. Steep 1 teaspoon whole ground cloves in 1 cup boiling water for at least 5 minutes.
  2. Strain the solution, keeping the liquid.
  3. Swish the liquid around your mouth.
  4. Spit out the solution.

Cloves may cause an allergic reaction or a numbing effect in the mouth in some people.

Buy clove oil here.

7. Oregano oil

Oregano oil is used to flavor foods, but it also has antimicrobial and antifungal abilities.

According to older research from 2001 conducted on mice and in vitro, oregano oil was effective against Candida albicans. Further research is needed.

To use:

  1. Combine 2 drops oregano oil with 1 cup water.
  2. Swish the mixture throughout your mouth.
  3. Spit out the solution.

Never use undiluted oregano oil orally or topically.

Buy oregano oil here.

8. Apple cider vinegar

People with dentures have a higher risk of oral thrush. Dentures that don’t fit properly or that aren’t cleaned well provide the ideal environment for Candida to thrive. This may cause a condition similar to thrush called denture stomatitis.

According to a 2015 in vitro study, apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties against Candida and may be a good alternative treatment option for people with denture stomatitis.

To use:

  1. Add 1 teaspoon raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to 1 cup water.
  2. Swish the rinse throughout your mouth for at least 15 seconds.
  3. Spit out the mixture.

Some natural health professionals recommend rinsing with undiluted apple cider vinegar, but this may cause a painful burning sensation in your mouth.

Buy apple cider vinegar here.

9. Vitamin C

Vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid) is necessary for proper immune system function. It does this by encouraging white blood cell production, which helps protect your body against infection.

It also helps these cells function more effectively and protects them against harmful molecules.

A healthy immune system helps bring balance back to your body. Increasing your intake of vitamin C if you’re deficient may help boost your body’s ability to beat the infection.

Oral thrush almost always causes symptoms, although they range in severity and duration.

Common symptoms are:

  • raised white lesions that resemble cottage cheese on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, the roof of the mouth, and tonsils
  • mouth redness or soreness
  • mouth bleeding
  • loss of taste
  • feeling like your mouth is full of cotton
  • difficulty eating and swallowing if lesions spread to your throat or esophagus

For most people, oral thrush isn’t a serious problem. If your immune system is compromised, however, it may spread and become a systemic infection.

Contact your doctor right away at the first signs of oral thrush if you have a compromised immune system.

Other conditions mimic oral thrush, such as oral hairy leukoplakia and lichen planus. See your doctor for a proper diagnosis before self-treating.

Since most home remedies have been researched on animals, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor before trying them.

Breastfed babies with oral thrush may transmit the infection to their mother’s breasts. If you’re breastfeeding and develop redness around your nipples or pain, see your doctor.

Many home remedies aren’t appropriate for infants and children. Talk with your pediatrician before using.

Home remedies for oral thrush may help relieve symptoms, but they won’t cure the yeast infection.

Home remedies are meant to support, not replace, antifungal medications that treat oral thrush. You may still need an antifungal to get rid of the Candida fungus entirely.

Once you’ve eliminated oral thrush, you can reduce your risk of getting it again by brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily. Replace your toothbrush to prevent reinfection.

To help prevent Candida yeast from taking up residence in your mouth or other areas of your body, follow these tips:

  • Rinse your mouth after meals and each time you use a corticosteroid inhaler.
  • Keep your dentures clean, and remove them every night.
  • Treat dry mouth.
  • If you have diabetes, work with your doctor to manage your blood sugar.
  • If you’re pregnant, treat vaginal yeast infections promptly.
  • If you smoke, consider quitting. Visit Smokefree.gov to create a quit plan that will work for you.

Recurring Thrush: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Thrush is a common yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans fungus.

Candida lives in the body and on the surface of the skin, usually without issue. However, when it multiplies, it can cause an infection in various areas of the body, such as the:

  • esophagus
  • mouth
  • throat
  • groin area
  • armpits
  • genitals

Candida infection (candidiasis) can affect men and women, and is typically seen as harmless. It can, however, be accompanied by a number of uncomfortable symptoms, and can be a recurring condition.

Keep reading to learn more about recurring thrush, including what can cause it, and how to treat it.

Recurring thrush is not uncommon. It’s described as having four or more associated episodes within one year, or at least three episodes unrelated to antibiotic treatment within one year.

According to Dr. Erika Ringdahl in an article published in the journal American Family Physician, a recurrent infection differs from a persistent infection due to the presence of a symptom-free period.

Recurrent refers to a situation in which the condition comes back. Persistent refers to a condition that never goes away.

Ringdahl explained that more than 50 percent of women over the age of 25 years experience at least one thrush infection, specifically a vulvovaginal infection. Fewer than 5 percent of those cases become recurrent.

Women are more likely to experience recurrent genital thrush or candidiasis than men.

You may also be at a higher risk of developing thrush if you:

  • haven’t finished a full thrush treatment from a previous occurrence
  • are taking antibiotics
  • are pregnant
  • have difficulty managing diabetes
  • are diagnosed with HIV or other autoimmune diseases
  • are in chemotherapy
  • smoke
  • have dry mouth
  • use corticosteroids for treating asthma symptoms

Other factors that can trigger recurrent thrush may include:

  • stress
  • genetic predispositions, specifically for women
  • treatment resistance
  • taking antibiotics
  • wearing tight clothing
  • using products that irritate sensitive areas
  • the menstrual cycle, which may cause monthly thrush episodes
  • hormonal or vaginal pH changes
  • sexual activity
  • having a weakened immune system (such as HIV or chemotherapy treatments)

Prescribed antifungal medication is often the best way to rid the body of thrush.

After proper diagnosis to determine the kind of infection and its location, your healthcare provider will provide you with an antifungal treatment in one of the following forms:

  • tablet
  • liquid
  • lozenge
  • topical cream

With treatment, thrush should clear up within 10 to 14 days.

However, in more severe cases of recurrent or persistent thrush, your healthcare provider may recommend an extended treatment period, sometimes up to six months.

You can also help to reduce the severity of thrush symptoms and lower the chances of recurrent thrush with home self-care, such as:

For skin thrush

  • wearing cotton underwear or clothing
  • drying the area effectively after washing
  • avoiding tight clothing
  • avoiding sexual activity until the infection has completely cleared up

For thrush in the mouth, throat, and esophagus

  • practicing good oral hygiene
  • frequently replacing your toothbrush
  • rinsing with saltwater
  • disinfecting dentures

In general, to help prevent recurrent thrush, it’s important to practice good personal hygiene and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Keeping your immune system strong can help your body to fight off infections.

To further prevent triggering a recurrent thrush, you can also:

  • brush your teeth and floss regularly
  • avoid high-sugar foods
  • change your underwear after swimming or working out
  • avoid using perfumed soaps and shower gels
  • take showers instead of baths
  • practice sex with a condom or other barrier method

Thrush, though generally harmless, can become a bothersome, recurring condition. If you begin to experience irregular and uncomfortable symptoms, schedule a visit with your healthcare provider.

An early diagnosis can help to determine treatment and decrease the chance of experiencing chronic symptoms.

Thrush in a child’s mouth in the language of causes – symptoms and treatment of candidiasis

Candidiasis or thrush is an infectious pathology caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida albicans. In infants, it manifests itself mainly in the form of candidal stomatitis. If a child shows signs of illness, it is necessary to visit a pediatrician. In a complicated form of the disease, a consultation with a dermatologist, ENT, urologist or gynecologist will be required.

Causes of thrush in children

Fungi of the genus Candida belong to the opportunistic microflora of the oral cavity and small intestine. Uncontrolled reproduction of microorganisms begins with the weakening of the protective functions of the body. Pathogens damage the mucous membrane and nearby tissues.

Internal factors in the development of thrush:

  • prematurity;
  • artificial feeding;
  • surgical interventions;
  • beriberi;
  • alimentary dystrophies;
  • anemia;
  • rickets;
  • imbalance of intestinal microflora;
  • thyroid dysfunction;
  • SARS, HIV, chronic viral pathologies;
  • violation of protein, carbohydrate, fat metabolism;
  • vomiting and frequent regurgitation.

Internal factors include prematurity, formula feeding, surgery, hypo- and avitaminosis, alimentary dystrophy, anemia, rickets, disruption of normal intestinal microflora, SARS, chronic viral diseases (including HIV), protein and fat metabolism disorders and carbohydrates, endocrine pathologies (including diabetes mellitus), malignant neoplasms, frequent regurgitation and vomiting.

External factors of thrush include:

  • frequent damage to mucous membranes;
  • teething in a child;
  • long-term use of antibacterial, hormonal or immunosuppressive drugs, cytostatics;
  • non-compliance with the rules of oral care.

Candida vulvovaginitis in the mother, contact with a carrier of pathogenic strains of the fungus, and mechanical ventilation can provoke the development of thrush in a child.

Symptoms of thrush in children

The incubation period is 2–60 days, on average 3–6 days. Clinical manifestations depend on the severity of candidal stomatitis. The main symptom is a white coating on the tongue.

Forms and characteristic signs of thrush in children:

  1. L Mild form – most often diagnosed in children. In the oral cavity, areas appear covered with a white coating of a curdled consistency. Localization – the inner surface of the cheeks, the upper surface of the tongue, sometimes – the soft and hard palate. Plaque is easily removed by scraping. The general well-being of the child is within the normal range, there is no specific sour smell from the mouth.
  2. Moderate form – the child has a dense cheesy coating on the tongue or in the form of a film. Nearby tissues are red and swollen. The plaque is hardly separated from the mucous membranes, after removal, the affected areas bleed. With this form of candidiasis in the mouth, the mood, sleep and appetite of the child worsens.
  3. Severe form – all mucous membranes of the oral cavity, gums, lips, posterior pharyngeal wall are affected in a child. The plaque is dense, it is practically not removed when scraped off, a light film remains under it. With this form of candidiasis, a pronounced sour smell from the mouth appears. The child is naughty, refuses breast or food, does not sleep well.

Complications in infants

In infants, thrush develops rapidly, the pathological process spreads to other parts of the body. Signs of candidiasis appear in the perineum, between the buttocks, symptoms of an intestinal fungal infection are observed. A severe form of thrush can cause sepsis.

Without proper treatment, candidiasis becomes chronic. Frequent exacerbations negatively affect the immune system and the general condition of the infant. The risk of developing allergic and atopic diseases increases. In children with chronic candidiasis, bronchial asthma is often detected.

Fungal tonsillitis is a common complication of oral candidiasis. A characteristic symptom is the appearance of a white cheesy plaque on the tonsils, burning, sore throat.

When a fungus affects the digestive tract, a child develops colic, and the process of food digestion slows down. Disturbed by constipation, pain in the lower abdomen. Mycosis of the respiratory organs is accompanied by frequent bronchitis, prolonged SARS, pneumonia.

Girls with chronic oral thrush often develop vulvovaginal candidiasis. Signs – redness and swelling of the external genital organs, due to the dryness of the mucous membranes, erosions form. In infancy, due to the anatomical features of the structure of tissues, pathology can lead to fusion of the labia and vaginal walls. In such cases, long-term medical treatment and surgery will be required.

Fungal infection of the genital organs in boys is accompanied by redness of the head of the penis, a secret similar to sour cream is secreted from the urethra. Against the background of thrush, urethritis and cystitis often develop.

Diagnosis of thrush

Thrush has characteristic symptoms. Therefore, there are no diagnostic problems. When collecting an anamnesis, the doctor determines the time of the onset of the disease. Assesses the general condition of the child, finds out the presence of fungal infections in the mother during pregnancy and childbirth.

During a physical examination of a child, the doctor performs a number of necessary procedures:

  • examines the condition of the oral mucosa;
  • detects the presence of specific plaque in the mouth;
  • determines the severity of the pathological process.

Be sure to check other parts of the body that may have been infected by fungus.

Laboratory methods for the diagnosis of thrush:

  1. Microscopy. A scraping is made from the affected area, the resulting biomaterial is studied under an electron or light microscope. The analysis reveals yeast-like cells and mycelial filaments.
  2. Culture method. Carried out to determine the type of pathogen, its sensitivity to antimycotic drugs.
  3. Serological research methods are used in the absence of clear clinical manifestations, lack of information of other diagnostic methods.

For fungal angina, sputum is analyzed to identify the type of pathogen. With candidiasis of the genital organs, it is necessary to pass a smear on the microflora. If mycosis of the internal organs is suspected, an analysis of feces, blood and urine is prescribed.

Be sure to carry out differential diagnosis to exclude diphtheria, acute herpetic stomatitis, acute tonsillitis.

Treatment of thrush

The choice of drugs for the treatment of thrush depends on the severity of the pathological process.

Peculiarities of therapy:

  1. In case of mild form, the oral cavity is irrigated with antifungal solutions with clotrimazole, nystatin. Soda or boric solution removes plaque well. Apply local disinfectants and antiseptics – methylene blue, Lugol’s solution, Miramistin. When breastfeeding, the mother must treat the breast with a solution of soda, a decoction of calendula or oak bark before each feeding. The average duration of treatment is 2 weeks.
  2. For moderate to severe disease, oral or parenteral antifungals are prescribed. Additionally, symptomatic treatment of concomitant diseases is carried out.

Older children are given a diet. From the diet it is necessary to exclude sweet and salty dishes, flour. These products create favorable conditions for the reproduction of fungi. Additionally, it is necessary to take folic and ascorbic acid to restore the balance of microflora, drugs to strengthen the immune system.

With timely treatment, you can completely get rid of thrush in your mouth. Recovery occurs within 7-10 days. Severe forms of the disease and complications occur only in the complete absence of antifungal therapy.

Prevention of thrush in infants

Prevention of candidiasis in children is either specific or non-specific.

Non-specific methods of prevention:

  • correct and regular care of the child’s skin and mucous membranes;
  • proper and rational nutrition of the mother during breastfeeding;
  • with artificial feeding, choose high-quality mixtures with probiotics and vitamins;
  • rational use of antibiotics during pregnancy;
  • timely treatment of fungal infections during childbearing;
  • do not give sweets to a child under one year, older children – sugar and sweets in limited quantities;
  • strengthen immunity – hardening, exercise, long walks in the fresh air, adherence to the daily routine.

Specific prophylaxis is necessary in case of burdened gynecological and obstetric anamnesis. These are prematurity, intrauterine malformations, birth injuries, disorders in the work of the respiratory and central nervous systems. Newborns who are at risk, within a week after birth, undergo microscopy and bacteriological analysis of scrapings from the mucous membranes, fecal analysis. If it is necessary to take antibiotics, a prophylactic course of taking antimycotic agents is prescribed.

Oral candidiasis is a dangerous disease for children. Do not self-medicate, postpone a visit to the doctor. Call the clinic, the administrator will select a convenient time for a visit to the therapist. With frequent recurrences of thrush, consult an immunologist.

causes, typical symptoms, medications, pictures of the disease

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In dentistry, thrush in the mouth is called candidiasis. This disease is infectious in nature and is caused by one specific pathogen. The symptoms are typical, treatment should be carried out with specific drugs, and traditional medicine will not help here, but will only exacerbate the problem.

Causes of development of thrush in the mouth in an adult

The only causative agent that contributes to the development of the disease is fungi of the genus Candida (Candida). They belong to the opportunistic category, are in the body of every person and under normal conditions do not show their activity in any way. But as soon as a favorable environment for their development is formed, fungi penetrate into soft tissues and begin to multiply. This situation can be provoked by:

  • diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in a chronic form – gastritis, peptic ulcer;
  • child-bearing and breast-feeding periods;
  • diseases of the endocrine system – hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus;
  • alcohol abuse, smoking;
  • HIV, syphilis, tuberculosis;
  • frequent SARS;
  • long-term use of antibacterial drugs;
  • beriberi, mineral deficiency;
  • use of braces, wearing prostheses;
  • undergoing specific treatment for oncological diseases;
  • trauma to the oral mucosa;
  • malnutrition – excessive consumption of foods high in simple carbohydrates;
  • inhalation with corticosteroids.

People aged 50 years and over are at risk for developing thrush, although younger people may also be affected. Most often, the culprits are prostheses, injuries of the oral mucosa and weak immunity.

Types of thrush in the mouth in adults

The disease is considered in two forms – acute and chronic. In the first case, the development is rapid, the symptoms are pronounced, recovery occurs only after 7–10 days with proper treatment. The chronic form can proceed secretly, have vague signs, is characterized by frequent relapses and subsequent thinning of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity.

In turn, the acute form of thrush is divided into types:

  • pseudomembranous – a white dense coating forms in the mouth, which is easily removed;
  • atrophic – no plaque, the mucosa becomes very dry and red, easily injured.

Chronic thrush in the mouth can be hyperplastic (whitish or grayish plaques form in the oral cavity, which are almost impossible to remove without damaging the mucosa), atrophic (symptoms are identical to the acute form of the course, but less pronounced).

Typical signs of candidiasis in the mouth

Symptoms of thrush in the mouth in an adult are typical:

  • The oral mucosa is covered with a white coating, which has a cheesy dense structure and is easily removed, leaving behind redness and slight bleeding;
  • mouth red, becomes very thin, easily injured even with a soft toothbrush;
  • are concerned about burning and itching, in an advanced case, there may be a fairly pronounced pain syndrome, which is aggravated by eating or drinking;
  • plaques of a grayish tint are formed, they can be single or grow and merge together, capturing large areas of the mucosa;
  • cracks form in the corners of the mouth and on the lips, the skin becomes dry.

Localization of signs is different: plaque and plaques can form on the tongue, inside of the cheeks, lips, palate. Usually, the disease is accompanied by classic signs of intoxication: general weakness, a slight increase in body temperature, and drowsiness.

How to treat thrush in the mouth in adults

To quickly stop inflammation, stop the spread of pathological foci and avoid the transformation of an acute form of a course into a chronic one, it is necessary to apply complex therapy. Treatment is prescribed by a doctor, it is individual, but still there are some standards – the treatment regimen includes:

  • broad-spectrum antifungal agents – Fluconazole, Diflucan, Nystatin;
  • antiseptics for rinsing and irrigating the oral cavity – solutions “Miramistin”, “Furacilin”, “Chlorhexidine”;
  • multivitamin preparations to improve general immunity.

It is important to follow a diet during treatment, which includes taking warm food and drinks (not hot, but not cold), avoiding citrus fruits, chocolate and any other products that can irritate the mucous membranes. You should limit the use of dishes with simple carbohydrates, acidic foods, pickles and marinades, milk and sour-milk products.

Doctors warn that it will not be possible to cure thrush in the mouth of an adult with folk remedies, but they can be used as adjuvant therapy. The most effective procedures will be rinsing the mouth with decoctions of oak bark, chamomile flowers, sage. They are prepared according to the same scheme: 1 tablespoon per 300 ml of water, heating for 7 minutes in a water bath, infusion for 20-30 minutes. Rinses are performed 2-3 times a day.

Additional recommendations of doctors during the treatment of candidiasis in the mouth:

  • brush your teeth daily with soft toothbrushes;
  • rinse the cavity after each meal;
  • take antihistamines if a skin allergic reaction is clearly visible (it develops as a response of the body’s immune system to fungal activity).

Treatment can last 2-3 weeks, it is important not to stop it even when the condition improves and the symptoms disappear.

Prevention of oral candidiasis

To prevent an increase in the activity of the causative agent of the disease and the development of pathology, doctors recommend taking preventive measures:

  • properly and regularly care for dentures;
  • take regular multivitamin preparations to improve immunity;
  • sanitize the oral cavity;
  • observe the rules of hygiene;
  • Eat a balanced diet.