What is Oral Thrush? Candida Home Remedies, Causes and Prevention

Are you looking for oral thrush home remedies? Oral thrush is a condition of the mouth that involves an overgrowth of fungus. In this article, we'll talk all about thrush, what causes it, how to treat it, and how to prevent it from happening in the first place. We hope this information gives you peace of mind if you have this condition and helps you get rid of it once and for all.

Before we continue, if you have a severe case of thrush and want to make an appointment with a dentist now, you can call 866-383-0748 to find a dentist in your area. You'll be connected to a live operator, 24/7 who will put you through to a qualified dentist near you.

What is oral thrush?

Oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is an accumulation of yeast fungus, known as Candida albicans, in your mouth, often resulting in white patches on your tongue. Although this is a naturally occurring and harmless organism in the mouth, the problem arises when it grows too much.

Anyone is susceptible to this condition, but babies and older adults are more likely to be affected, due to reduced immunity. People with suppressed immune systems or certain health conditions are also more likely to suffer from it.

Oral thrush symptoms

According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of oral thrush can include the following:

• Creamy white spots in your mouth, especially on your tongue, and inner cheeks
• Raised white spots or lesions resembling cottage cheese
• Redness and soreness that can cause difficulty swallowing or eating
• Slight bleeding from lesions
• Redness at the corners of your mouth
• Cottony-sensation in your mouth
• Loss of taste
• Irritation under dentures

If you have a weakened immune system, you might also experience lesions that spread down to your oesophagus. This may result in pain when swallowing and the feeling of having food caught in your throat.

If you have these symptoms of thrush, it's important not to ignore them, and to seek medical advice as soon as you can.

Some of these symptoms are also indicative of other health conditions, like oral herpes or even COVID-19. Learn more about COVID oral symptoms. Find out more about herpes on the tongue or around the mouth in our full guide.

How does oral thrush develop?

This condition develops when your immune system is unable to maintain a healthy balance between Candida fungus and other microbes in your mouth, allowing the microbes to overgrow. When not stopped by your immune system, the Candida fungus grows unchecked and causes an infection.

There are several factors besides weakened immune systems that can increase your risk of having this condition:

• Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes causes an increase in sugar levels in your mouth. This leads to an increase in local inflammation and an increase in the Candida yeast fungus that causes it.
• Vaginal yeast infections: These can be passed on to your baby.
• Medications: Some medications may reduce the body's immunity or disturb your body's natural balance of microorganisms.
• Dry mouth: Dry mouth can lead to excess bacteria in the mouth, as decreased salivary flow is unable to provide a protective and preventive effect.
• Dentures: If not cleaned properly, food can get trapped under dentures, creating a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

How can oral thrush be prevented?

Thankfully, even if you are a person more prone to an oral thrush infection, there are preventative measures that you can take to avoid this happening to you. Some of these include:

• Proper oral hygiene: Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. Your dentist may also recommend a mouthwash to prevent fungal growth inside the oral cavity.
• Visit your dentist: Your dentist will tell you how often you should be seen, normal frequencies are from 1 to 2 times per year.
• Diet low in sugar: Avoiding foods with added sugar can help cut down on Candida growth.
• Address dry mouth: There are plenty of things you can do to treat dry mouth.
• Proper health condition treatment: If you have a condition that weakens your immune system, you should seek treatment immediately.

Oral thrush home treatments

When it comes to at-home treatments, most can be split into two categories: Over the counter and natural remedies. Both can be effective, but if you try natural remedies first and they don't seem to help, it's very important that you see a doctor.

If your symptoms are severe to begin with, you should probably consult a professional before anything else. If you're not sure what to do, and you can't get in to see a dentist, you may want to consult with a dentist online via teledentistry services.

Otherwise, keep reading to find out more about oral thrush home treatment.

Over the counter and natural remedies

Mouthwash

One of the most effective home remedies for thrush in the mouth is special mouthwashes made specifically for the treatment of oral thrush.

When you are looking for a mouthwash, you will want to find one that kills harmful bacteria while preserving good bacteria and being alcohol-free. Alcohol can contribute to a dry mouth, one of the potential causes of oral thrush.

A popular option on Amazon that meets these criteria is Prevention Mouth Rinse. One customer says it helped him with his case caused by MS:

“I get oral thrush often due to my Multiple Sclerosis and have to use Nystatin so I was looking for anything that would help keep a balance in my oral health. This product has changed my life. I use it after brushing in the morning and at night. I haven't had a thrush outbreak since I purchased it. I told my dentist about it.”

Probiotic supplements

Another oral thrush home remedy that many people turn to is in the form of probiotic pills, although one should always exercise caution as these aren't always medically reviewed.

However, there are studies that suggest that oral probiotics containing Lactobacillus acidophilus can help manage the Candida fungus, though their effectiveness isn't the same in all patients. 

There are lots of these supplements available over the counter, and their benefits extend beyond managing thrush to improved gut health and increased energy levels.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is known to have antifungal properties and is a popular natural remedy for thrush. To make a cider vinegar rinse you can:

• Mix 1 teaspoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with 8 oz of water
• Swish it around for at least 15 seconds
• Spit it out
• You can do this two or three times a day

Baking soda for thrush

Baking soda has been shown to inhibit the growth of yeast. To try this remedy, simply:

• Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 8 oz warm water
• Swish around your mouth
• Spit out
• This can be done two times a day

Saltwater

Salt has natural antiseptic properties, making it great for dealing with many oral health problems you may have. To use salt water to relieve symptoms of oral thrush:

• Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz of warm water
• Swish and gargle the solution for about 20 seconds
• Spit it out
• This should be done two or three times a day

Hydrogen peroxide

This household staple has antiseptic benefits and is commonly used to treat a variety of oral problems including mouth ulcers. To gargle with hydrogen peroxide:

• Use a 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide
• Mix two parts water with one part hydrogen peroxide
• Swish around the mouth for 30 seconds
• Spit it out

Read more about using hydrogen peroxide mouthwash safely in our separate guide.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is used for its natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help to combat the candida fungus and prevent it from coming back again. To use tea tree oil:

• Mix 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil with 2 teaspoons of water
• Swish the solution in your mouth for at least 30 seconds
• Spit it out

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is used in an Ayurvedic practice called oil pulling. Coconut oil, in particular, has antifungal properties that could help get rid of the candida yeast fungus from your mouth. To swish with coconut oil:

• Place 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth (it will melt quickly)
• Swish it around your mouth for 10 to 15 minutes
• Spit it out

Yogurt

Yogurt is full of healthy probiotics that encourage the production of healthy bacteria in your mouth. The presence of more healthy bacteria helps with oral thrush treatment and brings your Candida level down to normal. To use yogurt as a treatment:

• Place 1 teaspoon of yogurt in your mouth
• Leave it there for 5 minutes, then swallow

Lemon juice

Lemons have lots of antifungal properties and their acidity can help eliminate oral Candida yeast fungus. To make a lemon drink:

• Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into 8 oz of water
• Add honey (optional) and drink

Turmeric

This vibrant yellow wonder spice has anti-inflammatory abilities that can be useful in treating oral thrush as well. You can try making ‘golden milk' to drink by:

• Mixing 1/2 teaspoon turmeric paste with a dash of black pepper to 1 cup water or milk
• Heating the mixture in a saucepan
• Swishing it around as you drink it

Oregano oil

Oregano oil has antifungal and antimicrobial properties for treating this condition. To use:

• Add 3 to 6 drops of oregano oil to 8 oz of water
• Drink the solution

There are also oregano oil supplements in pill form.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps to increase the production of stomach acids and enhances your immunity, stopping the growth of the fungus in your mouth. The easiest way to up your Vitamin C intake is to take vitamin C capsules.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a household remedy known for its antifungal properties and its ability to soothe. You can simply take some gel from an aloe vera plant and apply it to your tongue and the inside of your cheeks once or twice a day.

If you don't have a plant at home, you can buy Aloe Vera water online.

Garlic

Garlic contains allicin which is a powerful antifungal antiviral and antibiotic. To fight it with garlic, you will need to chew on a raw garlic glove once or twice a day. This is not a recommended treatment if you plan on going on any first dates!

Also, be aware that raw garlic can burn your mouth, so it's a good idea to start with a small piece and see how it goes.

That was a lot of home remedies! Have a look at the following table for a summary of some of the most common ones:

You can also watch the video below of some home remedies for oral thrush:

Treatments for oral thrush in babies

We've gone over the best home remedies for thrush in adults, now it's time to talk about what to do about it in babies' mouths.

You'll find that some of the same natural remedies for adults are also recommended for children. These include applying a diluted cider vinegar application to the area and introducing yogurt into your baby's diet, as found by this study because the lactobacillus in yogurt can help restore a healthy bacteria balance in your baby's mouth.

Here is a video showing how to prevent oral thrush in babies:

When it comes to your baby, however, the best thing to do is to see your child's physician. They'll be able to recommend the best course of treatment, whether it be prescription oral drops or a simple home remedy.

Conclusion

There's no need to panic about oral thrush, but equally, you shouldn't ignore it once you notice the symptoms. As you can see, there are plenty of natural home remedies for curing the overpopulation of Candida fungus.

However, we also recommend that you see a doctor if you have this condition, as it could be caused by an underlying health condition.

Chances are, no matter why you have thrush, there are changes to your lifestyle you can make, or remedies you can use, to make the symptoms go away. It might be as simple as making time to practice good oral hygiene.

The best way to get rid of oral thrush fast is to visit your dentist or doctor. They can prescribe you fast-acting medication. Find a dentist near you now by calling 866-383-0748.

FAQs

How can you cure oral thrush fast?

If you're wondering how to get rid of thrush quickly, the fastest way to cure oral thrush is to go to your doctor so they can prescribe you a fast-acting anti-fungal. You may also treat it at home.

You can try any of or a combination of the remedies mentioned above. However you should always consult with your doctor before starting any treatment and if your symptoms don't go away, you should continue to seek medical help.

Can you treat oral thrush over the counter?

Oral thrush in some cases can be treated with over the counter antifungal mouthwash or antifungal supplements. But if that doesn't work, make sure to see your doctor, who can write you a prescription.

Is oral thrush contagious?

Be honest, what you really want to know is if you can kiss someone and either get or give oral thrush. The answer is: not necessarily. That's because yeast is present in everyone's mouth.

So in order to develop thrush, you have to have an oral environment that is thrush-friendly. That being said, if you have oral thrush or you know someone else has oral thrush, it's best to put the kissing on hold until the problem has been resolved.

Additionally, in some cases, an infant who has oral thrush can spread the yeast to their mother's nipples by breastfeeding and vice versa.

How can I prevent oral thrush?

The best way to prevent oral thrush is very simple. You can start by moderating the sugar in your diet and practicing proper oral hygiene (brushing and flossing daily). You should also make sure to visit the dentist once or twice a year.