The Best Oral Thrush Treatment: Home Remedies That Nix White Patches and Pain
Plus learn how to reduce your risk of a future flare-up
Ever notice white patches on your tongue or redness in your mouth or throat? It could be oral thrush, a common fungal infection. These patches may feel sore and tender, and scraping them could irritate them or even cause them to bleed. So how do you get rid of them? Here, a dentist shares the most effective oral thrush treatment options.
What is oral thrush?
Oral thrush (aka oral candidiasis) is a fungal infection that forms when a type of yeast called Candida albicans grows excessively in your mouth, explains Randy Kunik, DDS, founder of Kunik Orthodontics.
“Candida is usually present in your mouth in small amounts, and it is usually kept in balance by your immune system and good bacteria,” he notes. “However, when something disrupts that balance—like antibiotics, a weakened immune system or certain medical conditions—Candida can multiply and cause an infection.”
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Classic signs are creamy white patches on your tongue or cheeks that can resemble cottage cheese. Sometimes, the patches can spread to the roof of your mouth, gums or throat, according to the Mayo Clinic. You may also notice a burning sensation, cracks at the corner of your mouth, trouble swallowing or loss of taste.
Risk factors of oral thrush
Babies, older adults and people with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of developing oral thrush. Specific health conditions can also play a role. Diabetes, for example, can lead to larger amounts of sugar in your saliva that can spur candida growth if not controlled.
Wearing dentures that don’t fit properly or using corticosteroid inhalers without rinsing your mouth afterward can make you more likely to get oral thrush as well, adds Dr. Kunik.
The best home remedies for oral thrush
If you have mild oral thrush, there are a few natural treatment options you can try to ease the discomfort and help your mouth heal, says Dr. Kunik.
Swish with saltwater
“Salt is great for soothing irritation and reducing bacteria and yeast,” Dr. Kunik says. “Just dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, swish it around in your mouth for about 30 seconds and spit it out. Do this a couple of times a day until things improve.”
Make a baking soda rinse
Baking soda has antifungal properties and helps neutralize acids in your mouth, which can make it less hospitable for Candida, explains Dr. Kunik.
Mix 1 tsp. of baking soda in a cup of warm water, swirl it in your mouth for 30 seconds and then spit it out, he suggests. Repeat this two or three times a day to help treat a Candida infection.
Try coconut oil pulling
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a compound that has antifungal and antimicrobial effects, Dr. Kunik says. Swishing 1 to 2 tsp. of virgin coconut oil in your mouth for 10 to 15 minutes (a practice called oil pulling) can help reduce yeast, he notes. Just be sure to spit it out in the trash (to avoid clogging your sink drain) and rinse your mouth with warm water when you’re finished.
Eat yogurt
Yogurt brims with probiotics, live, active cultures (“good” bacteria) that may help manage oral thrush by inhibiting Candida growth, a study in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology suggests. Just remember that sugar can exacerbate a yeast infection, so you’ll want to opt for about a cup of plain, unsweetened yogurt a day.
When to see your dentist for oral thrush treatment
While home remedies for oral thrush help alleviate discomfort and encourage healing, an antifungal medication is the best way to cure the infection. Depending on the severity and cause of your infection, your doctor will likely prescribe medication that you need to take for 10 to 14 days. Most healthy adults will see improvement in their oral thrush within this time.
How to prevent oral thrush
Once your oral thrush infection is cleared, you’ll likely want to know how to prevent it from returning. Practicing good oral hygiene is your best bet. Dr. Kunik advises brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly to keep your mouth clean.
If you use a corticosteroid inhaler, he recommends rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water after each use to clear any residue. Similarly, if you wear dentures, you’ll want to clean them daily and avoid wearing them overnight.
“Staying hydrated can also help because a dry mouth creates the perfect environment for Candida to grow,” Dr. Kunik cautions. “If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar under control can reduce your risk. Moreover, cutting back on sugary foods and drinks can also make a difference since yeast loves sugar.”
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