Oral thrush can be managed with effective natural remedies.
These remedies include tea tree oil, coconut oil, yogurt, probiotics, garlic, and a saltwater rinse.
While home remedies may alleviate the discomfort associated with thrush, it is crucial to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen. Your healthcare professional may recommend antifungal medication to inhibit the growth of the fungus.
Below, we discuss more about the natural remedies.
But first, what is oral thrush? What could trigger it, and what are the symptoms to look for?
Understanding Oral Thrush
Oral thrush, also called oral candidiasis, is a yeast infection that causes the appearance of white creamy patches on the mouth, tongue, and throat. It is common in babies (under one month old), toddlers, adults aged 65 and older, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Oral thrush is caused by a group of fungi called Candida. These fungus, found in the roof of the mouth, digestive tracts, and skin, are often restrained by other bacteria.
However, some medications, like antibiotics, and illnesses can trigger them. This can cause the Candida fungus to overgrow, resulting in oral thrush.
Stress can also trigger candida fungus, including illnesses like HIV and AIDs. Birth control pills and steroids are other medications that can escalate the Candida fungus.
Symptoms of Oral Thrush
Individuals with oral thrush may not notice any symptoms during its early stages. But, as the fungal infection worsens, one or more of these symptoms may manifest:
- Loss of taste.
- Sore mouth.
- Bad taste in your mouth.
- Difficulty eating or swallowing.
- Burning sensation in the mouth.
- Cracking at the corners of your mouth.
- Slight bleeding if the whitish spots are scraped.
- Spots (white or yellow) on your inner cheeks, tongue, gums, or lips.
- White patches in your mouth, tongue, gums, and behind your throat.
Do you think you have oral thrush? Here are some natural remedies that may help soothe the pain and control the growth of the yeast infection.
Natural Remedies for Oral Thrush
Oral thrush is treated with antifungal medication. However, you can ease the symptoms with the following home remedies:
Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is a common home remedy for oral thrush. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties that may help prevent the overgrowth of the candida fungus.
According to a trial, tea tree oil proved to be effective in treating oral thrush in people living with AIDS.
Coconut oil: Coconut oil contains caprylic and lauric acid that slows the growth of Candida. It also has antifungal properties.
A study suggests that coconut oil may be as strong as the antifungal medicine fluconazole in addressing the symptoms of oral thrush.
Probiotics: Probiotics are healthy bacteria that inhibit the growth of the fungus that causes oral thrush. They are present in foods like yogurt, kombucha, miso, tempeh, kimchi, etc.
Probiotics also come in supplement form and may be effective in protecting denture wearers against oral thrush.
Yogurt: Yogurt is another home remedy that is used to treat oral thrush. It contains probiotics, making it effective in preventing fungi overgrowth.
Yogurts may also help restore the natural balance of good to bad microorganisms in the mouth. When choosing yogurt for oral thrush, ensure you go for the plain alternative, especially the one with low or zero sugar.
Garlic: The allicin in garlic has powerful antifungal, antibiotics, and antiviral compounds. When administered orally or topically, it can help fight against the fungus that causes thrush. Garlic can help restrict the growth of the Candida fungus while managing the symptoms of oral thrush.
Saltwater rinse: Salt has antifungal, antiseptic, and soothing properties. This makes saltwater rinse an effective at-home remedy for oral thrush and other oral health and dental problems. Swishing your mouth with salt water can help alleviate oral thrush symptoms.
While home remedies may help manage the symptoms of thrush, it’s crucial to seek medical attention if they persist or worsen.
Your healthcare provider will recommend the right oral thrush treatment, which may include antifungal medications like nystatin or miconazole.
Incorporating Natural Ingredients into Your Routine
How to use tea tree oil for oral thrush
Tea tree oil is an effective thrush treatment option. It has antiseptic properties that may help treat oral thrush.
To use tea tree oil, dilute some drops in water. Swish the solution around in your mouth for 30 seconds to 1 minute, and then spit it out.
Using coconut oil as a remedy for oral thrush
Rinse your mouth with a tablespoon of coconut oil. Do this for 15-20 minutes, then spit out.
For optimal results, repeat the process three times a day.
Ensure you rinse your mouth with water afterward. Then, brush and floss your teeth to remove residual bacteria that may have been displaced by the oil pulling.
Making a saltwater rinse at home
Saltwater can help treat oral thrush. It can also prevent future oral problems.
To make salt water mouth rinse, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Rinse your mouth with the solution for 15 to 20 seconds and spit it out.
Choosing the right probiotics for oral thrush
While probiotics may not help eliminate overgrown oral Candida, they may inhibit their growth. When selecting probiotics for oral thrush, choose one containing the lactobacillus strain of bacteria.
You can find such probiotics in foods like miso, kimchi, kombucha, and sauerkraut.
Incorporating yogurt into your diet
Yogurt, one of the best sources of probiotics, can be used to treat thrush. It contains good bacteria that can help stop Candida growth.
To use yogurt, eat it a few times daily after noticing the first sign of oral thrush. Ensure you select unsweetened varieties since Candida enjoys sugar.
Don’t like yogurt? Try probiotic supplements. It has similar benefits to yogurt.
Using garlic to combat oral thrush
Garlic can prevent or treat oral thrush thanks to its natural antifungal properties. To use, peel a clove of garlic and chew it raw to release allicin.
Allicin is the compound responsible for its antifungal properties. Alternatively, you can include garlic in your food to prevent Candida from growing.
Preventing Oral Thrush Naturally
Maintaining good oral hygiene
Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride paste. Don’t forget to floss at least once daily to reduce the risk of oral thrush.
When brushing, ensure you clean spaces between your teeth. This helps remove food residue.
Do you wear dentures?
We recommend washing your dentures regularly to prevent plaque buildup, a recipe for thrush. Finally, make sure you replace your toothbrush often until your infection disappears.
Managing underlying health conditions
Some health conditions like diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and cancer can trigger thrush. These conditions can cause the candida fungus to grow out of control.
Schedule regular medical check-ups to manage underlying health conditions. This can help stifle the growth of Candida fungus in your mouth and digestive tract.
Dietary changes to prevent oral thrush
To prevent oral thrush, avoid eating starch vegetables like potatoes, corn, beans, and peas. The same goes for fruits with high sugar content, like bananas, mangoes, figs, and raisins.
Consuming meats like processed meat and farm-raised fish may also increase your risk of oral thrush. So, avoid them as well.
Additionally, avoid wheat, barley, rye, and other grains that contain gluten. Simple sugars and artificial sweeteners are a no-no as well. They fuel yeast growth, increasing the severity of the fungal infection.
The same applies to sugar-sweetened beverages and alcohol.
Lifestyle habits that can prevent oral thrush
Some lifestyle habits, especially those that weaken your immune system, can fuel candida yeast growth, resulting in oral thrush.
These habits include smoking, excessive alcohol and sugary food consumption, and lack of sleep. Avoiding these habits can strengthen your immune system, inhibiting candida growth.
Finally, since stress can weaken the immune system, engaging in stress-relieving habits can also help reduce the risk of thrush.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most cases of oral thrush disappear within 1-2 weeks with the right home remedy treatment. However, if the symptoms keep worsening, or you notice the infection spreading to other areas, consult a healthcare professional.
You should also see your healthcare provider if there are no improvements from using natural remedies. Your healthcare provider will recommend the appropriate oral treatment for thrush.
This may include medications like fluconazole, itraconazole, amphotericin B, or generic nystatin. They are all antifungal medications that can inhibit the growth of the fungus or eliminate it.
Conclusion and Final Tips
Saltwater rinse, garlic, coconut oil, probiotics, and tree oil can help relieve the symptoms of thrush. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional. A healthcare professional can offer proper diagnosis and treatment for oral thrush.
Finally, maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding risk factors, and making dietary changes can help prevent thrush. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure!
FAQs
Can I treat oral thrush on my own?
Mild cases of thrush typically disappear on their own. Alternatively, you can use natural remedies like apple cider vinegar, clove oil, salt water rinses, or probiotic foods to inhibit the growth of Candida yeast. Ensure you contact your healthcare provider if the symptoms persist.
What is the strongest treatment for oral thrush?
Antifungal drugs like miconazole, nystatin, or clotrimazole are effective in the treatment of oral thrush. They can get rid of oral thrush in a week or two. Your doctor may prescribe fluconazole if the infection is serious, or if the thrush has gotten to the esophagus.
What worsens oral thrush?
Antibiotics can upset the oral microbiome, causing thrush. Wearing upper dentures can also increase your risk of oral thrush. Likewise, consuming foods with high sugar content, refined grains, processed meat, and alcohol may trigger the growth of Candida, causing oral thrush.
