Home Remedies for Oral Thrush

Oral thrush, also known as oropharyngeal candidiasis, is a type of yeast infection that develops inside your mouth and on your tongue.

A small amount of the Candida albicans fungus is normally present in the mouth. Oral thrush occurs when your immune system cannot maintain its natural defense against this fungus and it grows out of control.

The infection leads to slighly raised creamy-white lesions, usually on the tongue or inner cheeks. If not controlled timely, it may spread to the roof of your mouth, gums, tonsils or the back of your throat.

Other signs and symptoms in your mouth include redness, soreness, a cottony feeling, difficulty swallowing and loss of taste.

Anyone can develop oral thrush, but it is more common in infants, elderly people, those who have a weak immune system and those who wear dentures. People who have diabetes, a vaginal yeast infection or cancer are also more prone to it.

Repeated bouts of oral thrush also indicate an immune deficiency. Hence, the first step you need to take is build your immune system through a healthy diet. Plus, maintain good oral hygiene, exercise regularly and get proper sleep and rest.

In addition, you can use some simple home remedies to control the infection and reduce the symptoms.

Salt Water :-

• You can create a solution by mixing salt (2 – 3 teaspoons) in water (1 cup) and rinse your mouth with this solution 3 to 4 times in a day to treat the problem of thrush.

Apple Cider Vinegar :-

• You can create a mouthwash by mixing apple cider vinegar (2 teaspoons) and salt (1/2 teaspoon) in warm water (1 cup).
• Rinsing mouth with this mouthwash several times in a day can help in dealing with the problem of thrush.

Baking Soda Powder :-

• You can create a paste by adding baking soda powder (2 – 3 teaspoons) in warm water (1 cup) and rub this paste on the tongue and inner cheek area with the help of a cotton ball.
• This remedy should be used 2 to 3 times in a day to obtain relief from the problem of thrush.

Coconut Oil :-

• You can create a mouthwash by mixing coconut oil (2 teaspoons) in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth with this mixture 2 to 3 times in a day to treat the problem of thrush.
• Coconut oil can also be directly applied on the inner mouth area with the help of a cotton swab to obtain the desired results.

Grapefruit Seeds :-

• You can apply the juice extracted from grapefruit seeds on the tongue to deal with the problem of thrush.
• You can also create a solution by mixing grapefruit oil in warm water and rinse your mouth with this solution multiple times in a day to treat various symptoms associated with thrush.

Aloe Vera :-

• You can consume aloe vera juice (1/4th glass) on a daily basis to cure thrush.
• Aloe vera gel can also be applied on the affected area with the help of a cotton ball 2 to 3 times in a day to deal with various symptoms of thrush.

Salt :-

• Salt is the best remedy to treat oral thrush.
• It creates an inhospitable environment for the fungus.
• In addition, salt helps relieve symptoms quickly.
• Mix ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water. Use it to gargle thoroughly, then spit it out. Repeat a few times daily until you are satisfied with the results.
• You can also sprinkle some salt on your tongue and the inside of your mouth, then rub it gently with your fingers for a few seconds. Rinse it out thoroughly with warm water. Use this remedy twice daily for a few days.

Yogurt :-

• Probiotic yogurt contains live or active cultures of the lactobacilli species that can help treat thrush.
• It also improve your digestion. For treating yeast infection, only use plain, unsweetened yogurt.
• Eat 2 to 3 cups of yogurt daily for a few weeks.
• Also, rub some yogurt on your tongue and inside your mouth with your finger. Allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water. Do this once or twice a day for a few days.

Garlic :-

• • Garlic is another effective treatment for reducing the thrush infection.
  • Its antifungal property helps kill yeast in your mouth and it even gives your immune system a boost.

• In a 2005 study published in the Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy journal, results appeared promising for the antifungal activity of fresh garlic extract against candida albicans.
• Chew 2 or 3 raw garlic cloves on a regular basis to fight the infection. Alternatively, take garlic capsules or tablets, after consulting your doctor.
• Also, apply garlic oil on the affected area a few times daily.

Preventing oral thrush :

There are a number of things you can do to reduce your chances of developing oral thrush, including:

• rinsing your mouth after meals
• brushing your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride and interdental cleaning (flossing) regularly
• visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups, even if you wear dentures or have no natural teeth
• removing your dentures every night, cleaning them with paste or soap and water before soaking them in a solution of water and denture-cleaning tablets
• brushing your gums, tongue and inside your mouth with a soft brush twice a day if you wear dentures or have no or few natural teeth
• visiting your dentist if your dentures do not fit properly
• stopping smoking if you smoke
• rinsing your mouth with water and spitting it out after using a corticosteroid inhaler, and using a spacer (a plastic cylinder that attaches to the inhaler) when you take your medicine
• ensuring that any underlying condition you have, such as diabetes, is well controlled

If you have a condition or are receiving treatment that could put you at a high risk of developing oral thrush, your doctor may recommend taking a course of antifungal medication to prevent this happening.