Oral thrush is also known as mouth thrush and oral candidiasis. It is a contagious yeast infection in the stomach of the mouth, caused by the excessive growth of Candida albicans. It is a common type of fungus that is responsible for infections in many parts of the human body. In fact, oral thrush is a medical condition of the mouth in which you see white patches around your tongue and gums or throat. They can spread to the gums, tonsils, mouth, and even the roof of the throat. This problem can lead to some more serious health problems. It is more common in people with weakened immune systems, babies, and asthma. Because they can’t fight this kind of fungus.
What causes Oral Thrush?
When it comes to the cause of oral thrush, the main cause is considered to be high levels of the fungus Candida albicans. The highest risk is for people with weakened immune systems. This is because the immune system in your body is not working properly to control Candida albicans. However, in addition to this, there are many factors that may be responsible for oral thrush, e.g.
- Having an organ transplant
- Ages
- HIV / AIDS
- Cancer
- Excessive mouthwash use
- Vaginal yeast infection
- Poorly fitting dentures
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Dentures
- dry mouth
- Antibiotics
- Medications
- Diabetes mellitus
What are the symptoms of oral thrush?
When it comes to symptoms, the first symptoms you notice are creamy-white sores that often appear on the inside of the tongue and your throat and lips. These can become more noticeable and serious over time. However, in addition to this, there are some other symptoms of oral thrush that you may experience, such as.
- Swelling and slight redness in the affected area
- Feeling of irritation
- Fever
- Dry or white tongue
- Pain or irritation in your mouth
- Minor bleeding
- Cotton-like sensation in your mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unpleasant taste
- Dry, cracked skin on the corners of your mouth
- Bad breath
- Irritated mouth syndrome
Home Remedies for Oral Thrush
When it comes to treating oral thrush, you should seek treatment as soon as you experience its symptoms. However, in severe cases, it is always recommended that you seek medical help. But apart from this, you can also resort to home remedies to get rid of oral thrush. These home remedies are considered effective for oral thrush.
1. Salt
Salt is considered one of the top oral thrush home remedies. Because it has been used for a long time for many oral problems. Because of the soothing, antiseptic, and cleansing properties of salt, it can help destroy fungal infections. Thus, it can reduce the symptoms by stopping the spread of the infection.
How to apply:
- Mix a tablespoon of salt in a cup of warm water and use this mixture for gargling. Repeat this measure until the symptoms subside.
- Also, take some salt and rub it on your tongue for a few seconds using your fingers. Then rinse your mouth using warm water. Repeat this measure twice daily.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt is soft, and also a great food to eat that can help treat oral thrush. Because probiotic yogurt contains a culture of life, “good” bacteria. Which is useful for oral thrush. It helps to stimulate the good bacteria in your mouth by defeating the fungus. Thus, yogurt is effective as a natural remedy for reducing the symptoms of oral thrush.
How to apply:
- Take a small amount of yogurt and apply it on the inside of your tongue and mouth using your vomit. After keeping for about 5-10 minutes, rinse with warm water. Do this 1 to 2 times a day for a few days.
- Conversely, you can consume 2 to 3 cups of yogurt daily for a few weeks.
- In addition, if you do not like yogurt, you can get the same benefits by taking probiotic supplements daily.
3. Garlic
As garlic is known to be the healthiest food in the world, it may be the treatments of oral thrush. Garlic contains allicin, which contains antimicrobial and anti-fungal agents. Which helps to destroy bacteria and yeast inside your mouth as well as promote good bacteria. In this way, garlic can boost your immune system to fight infections.
How to apply:
- Eat 2 to 3 cloves of garlic daily to get rid of the infection.
- If you can’t take fresh garlic, you can take garlic in tablets or capsules. But keep in mind that only after consulting a doctor.
4. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil can be used to make food delicious as well as to help cure oral thrush. Because it has antibiotic and antifungal properties. Which were very effective in killing Candida. In addition, oregano oil helps strengthen your immune system to fight yeast growth.
To use:
- Mix 2-3 drops of oregano oil with 1 cup of water.
- Swish the mixture all over your mouth, then spit it out
- Finally, rinse with warm water.
- Do this twice a day for the best results.
- Alternatively, you can mix a few drops of oregano oil with olive oil and rub it on the inside of your mouth and tongue.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can help fight the growing growth of Candida fungus. Because vinegar is known for its antifungal properties. Not only does it control the growth of Candida fungus, but it also helps to eliminate and clear mouth thrush symptoms. In addition, vinegar is known to have a positive effect on the body’s immune system. That’s why apple cider vinegar is labeled as one of the top mouth thrush treatments.
How to apply:
- Mix two tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar and one tablespoon of salt in a cup of lukewarm water. Then rinse your mouth twice a day using this mixture until there are signs of improvement.
- In addition, dilute 2 tablespoons of raw cider vinegar in 1 cup of warm water with some raw honey. Drink it twice daily.
6. Baking Soda
Baking soda is very effective in killing the fungus that causes oral thrush infections. According to a 2009 study, it showed its antimicrobial effects against Candida albicans. In addition, like apple cider vinegar, it also helps balance the acid levels in your mouth. This is why baking soda can treating oral thrush.
How to apply:
- Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda with water to make a paste. Then apply this paste directly to the wound using a cotton ball. Leave it for a few minutes and then rinse with warm water. Repeat this procedure 2 to 3 times per day.
- Also, dilute half a teaspoon of baking soda with 1 glass of water and use it to rinse your mouth. Repeat this twice daily for a few days until the infection is gone.
7. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is very useful for treatment of mouth thrush. This is because it contains natural anti-fungal as well as antibacterial agents. Which helps destroy fungal infections and prevent the spread of infection. Thus, tea tree oil can quickly cure the symptoms of oral thrush.
How to apply:
- Take a cup of warm water and add a few drops of tea tree oil and use this mixture to rinse your mouth. Do this two-three times per day for best results.
8. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known as one of the best home remedies for many skin problems. Therefore, you can also use aloe vera to treat oral thrush. Aloe vera has antifungal and soothing properties that can inhibit the growth of Candida albicans. In addition, it is beneficial in relieving both itching and discomfort due to its cooling effect.
How to apply:
- Take fresh aloe vera gel from aloe vera leaves.
- Then rub it on the affected area and leave for a few minutes.
- Thus repeat this method as required
9. Boric Acid
Boric acid is another good answer for how to get rid of oral thrush. Because it has long been an effective treatment for yeast infections. It has antifungal properties that can prevent Candida fungi from growing. This is why boric acid is used to treat oral thrush.
How to apply:
- Add a quarter teaspoon of boric acid to a glass of water
- Then wash your mouth using this mixture.
- Do this until the improvement is noticeable.
Note – Do not swallow the mixture using this remedy as it may cause discomfort. In addition, pregnant women are not allowed to take this measure.
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