What is oral thrush? How do you treat it? Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, and effective treatments for this fungal infection in the mouth and throat.

Understanding Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a fungal infection that occurs when the Candida fungus, which is naturally present in the mouth and digestive tract, grows out of control. This leads to the formation of white, rash-like patches on the tongue, cheeks, upper mouth, tonsils, and throat. Oral thrush can affect people of any age, but it is most common in babies, toddlers, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of Oral Thrush

The symptoms of oral thrush can vary depending on the age of the individual and the type of infection. Common symptoms in adults include:

• White, rash-like patches on the tongue, cheeks, upper mouth, tonsils, and throat
• A dry sensation or cotton-like feeling in the mouth
• Loss of taste
• Raised red spots similar to cottage cheese
• Redness and cracking around the mouth
• If the infection has spread to the esophagus, there may be throat pain and difficulty swallowing

In infants and babies, the symptoms may include:

• White coating on the tongue
• Sore mouth
• Decreased sucking during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, leading to less milk consumption
• Sensitive, cracked, or sore nipples for the breastfeeding mother

Diagnosing Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is usually diagnosed based on the appearance of the white patches in the mouth and throat. In some cases, the doctor may perform a physical examination or order a laboratory test, such as a swab or culture, to confirm the diagnosis.

Treating Oral Thrush

The treatment for oral thrush typically involves antifungal medications, either in the form of mouthwashes, lozenges, or oral tablets. Common medications used include:

• Antifungal mouthwash (nystatin)
• Lozenges (clotrimazole)
• Oral antifungal medicines like fluconazole (Diflucan) or itraconazole (Sporanox)

The duration of treatment can vary from 10 to 14 days, depending on the individual’s age and the underlying cause of the fungal infection. If the infection is severe or the individual has a weakened immune system, the treatment may need to be extended.

Home Remedies for Oral Thrush

In addition to prescription treatments, there are some home remedies that may help alleviate the symptoms of oral thrush, such as:

1. Maintaining good oral hygiene: Brush and floss at least twice a day, and don’t share toothbrushes.
2. Disinfecting dentures: If you wear dentures, make sure to clean them properly to prevent reinfection.
3. Using probiotic supplements: Probiotics can help restore the balance of “good” bacteria in the body.
4. Applying coconut oil: Coconut oil has natural antifungal properties and can be applied to the affected areas in the mouth.
5. Consuming garlic: Garlic has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that may help fight the Candida fungus.
6. Using baking soda: Baking soda can be used as a natural mouthwash to help neutralize the pH in the mouth and reduce the growth of Candida.
7. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods: These can feed the growth of Candida and exacerbate the symptoms of oral thrush.

When to See a Doctor

If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of oral thrush, it’s important to seek medical attention, especially if the infection is severe or persistent. Some signs that you should see a doctor include:

• Thrush-like sores that don’t go away
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• Thrush symptoms accompanied by an underlying medical condition, such as HIV
• In infants, symptoms like dehydration, dark urine, a dry mouth, or bleeding sores in the mouth

A Candida infection may be an indication of other underlying medical problems, so it’s important to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional. They can provide the appropriate treatment and determine if any additional testing or follow-up is necessary.

Preventing Oral Thrush

To help prevent the recurrence of oral thrush, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid sharing personal items like toothbrushes, and manage any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the fungal overgrowth. Additionally, practicing good hygiene during breastfeeding, such as properly cleaning bottles, pacifiers, and breast pumps, can help prevent the spread of the infection between mother and child.