10 Effective Natural Remedies for Oral Thrush
When you have white spots on your tongue, cheeks, and cotton mouth, you want them to go away as soon as possible. These symptoms are potential signs of oral thrush (also called oral candidiasis), which is typically not a serious problem but can be uncomfortable. Your symptoms are caused by a yeast overgrowth called candida. It is natural for Candida albicans to cause yeast infections in the mouth.
Oral thrush occurs when the oral microbiome is disrupted, leading to an overgrowth of the Candida fungus. Prescription antifungal medications are the most common treatment for oral thrush. A thrush infection, however, may be treated with natural remedies.
This article will explain the science and symptoms of oral thrush and when you should see a doctor if you have symptoms of oral thrush.
What Helps Oral Thrush at Home?
Oral thrush can be treated with several items you probably already have at home or can easily purchase. Although "natural," at-home remedies for yeast infections can still cause side effects.
Consult your healthcare provider before trying home remedies unless you have underlying health conditions contributing to your candida infection.
| Remedy | Benefit | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Probiotics | Helps balance oral bacteria | Take daily probiotic supplements or yoghurt |
| Saltwater Rinse | May soothe irritation | Mix ½ tsp salt in warm water and swish |
| Coconut Oil | Antifungal properties | Oil pull 1 tbsp for 10–20 minutes daily |
| Lemon Water | May inhibit Candida | Drink lemon water or use it as a mouth rinse |
| Clove Oil | Antifungal and pain-relieving | Dilute and apply gently to affected areas |
Probiotics to Support Oral Health
A probiotic is a type of bacteria that has health benefits when consumed. Oral thrush can be treated with probiotics to prevent Candida albicans from overgrowing in your mouth. According to some studies, probiotic supplements may help protect against oral thrush, particularly among individuals who wear dentures.
Lactobacillus-based supplements may be the most beneficial.
Apple Cider Vinegar as a Mouth Rinse
Natural antifungal properties are found in apple cider vinegar, essentially fermented apple juice. Cell studies have also shown that vinegar may inhibit the growth of Candida. However, oral thrush cannot be prevented or treated with apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is acidic and can damage the enamel of your teeth, so be sure to dilute it before using it as a home remedy. A teaspoon or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water is recommended as a daily mouthwash.
How Saltwater Can Ease Oral Thrush Symptoms
Some believe that an at-home saltwater rinse can help alleviate oral thrush symptoms and other oral health issues, as salt (also known as sodium chloride) is an antifungal agent. Although it's not harmful to try this, there has been no research to support it.
Could you sprout out the saltwater after rinsing instead of swallowing it after mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water?
Good Oral Hygiene to Prevent and Manage Thrush
The best way to prevent or treat oral thrush is to practice good oral hygiene, including taking care of your teeth and gums.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups.
- Every day, brush and floss your teeth.
- Soft-bristled toothbrushes won't irritate your mouth further.
- Use a soft toothbrush and change your toothbrush about every three months.
- Keep your mouth moist by drinking enough water every day.
Baking Soda Rinse: Does It Help?
Although baking soda is a common home remedy for oral thrush, its effectiveness has not been well studied. In one study, we used a baking soda saline rinse after reconstructive surgery to prevent oral thrush. Therefore, swishing baking soda and water won't harm you, but it also won't treat oral thrush.
How to Use Gentian Violet for Thrush
In the 19th century, Gentian violet was used as an antiseptic dye to fight bacteria, fungi, and parasites. It is effective against Candida Albicans, according to studies. Most drugstores carry Gentian violet, an over-the-counter remedy.
Find a solution that is 1%.
Gently dab a bit on the white spots in your mouth. I am using a cotton swab or cotton ball.
Staining your mouth and clothes with Gentian violet is easy due to its dye nature. I also encourage you to avoid swallowing the solution.
Antifungal Essential Oils for Oral Thrush
Oral thrush may be treated with some essential oils.
At least some of them seem to be beneficial, including:
- Clove oil: A home remedy for oral health and dental problems, clove oil has natural analgesic (pain-relieving) and antifungal properties. Additionally, cell studies suggest that it may prevent or treat oral thrush. Pure clove oil can be added to an edible carrier oil, such as coconut oil, to make a clove mouth salve. Remember that the oil may cause tingling or burning when applied to the white patches in your mouth.
- Lemongrass oil; Based on cell studies, this natural antimicrobial inhibits the growth of Candida and may help treat oral thrush. Use the oil as a mouth rinse by diluting it in water and using it as needed.
- Rosemary oil: In addition to having antifungal properties, rosemary oil also appears effective against Candida albicans. You can try this by adding a few drops to a cup of water, swishing it in your mouth, and then spitting it out.
- Tea tree oil: Known as melaleuca oil, tea tree oil is an antiseptic that may treat oral thrush by fighting candida. People living with AIDS found that mouthwash containing tea tree oil helped treat oral thrush. It is attributed to a compound called terpinen-4-ol. Diluting a couple of drops of tea tree oil in water and swishing it around in your mouth will make a mouthwash.
Coconut Oil Pulling for Candida Relief
Studies have shown that coconut oil inhibits the growth of Candida due to its caprylic and lauric acids. According to one study, coconut oil may be just as effective as fluconazole in treating oral thrush. Fighting oral fungus may be easier with the practice of oil pulling. Spit out a tablespoon of raw, virgin coconut oil after swishing it around in your mouth until it melts. It is best to swish for at least 20 minutes to maximise the benefits. It is also helpful to spend 5-10 minutes on it.
Yoghurt and Probiotics for Oral Thrush
Since yoghurt contains probiotics that prevent fungi overgrowth, it may be a proper at-home remedy for oral thrush. A small study found that elderly adults consumed probiotic yoghurt or regular cheese. Oral thrush incidence was reduced by 32 per cent in those who ate yoghurt. You should choose plain yoghurt with no added sugar or low in sugar if you try yoghurt for oral thrush.
You may experience worse symptoms if you consume too much sugar.
Lemon Juice: A Natural Antifungal Option
Lemon juice is considered a natural antifungal. The effects of gentian violet, lemon juice, and lemon grass on Candida have only been studied in one study: HIV-infected individuals with oral thrush took these treatments for 11 days. It appeared that lemon juice helped treat the infection. Try sipping water with half a lemon squeezed into it if you want to try this. Lemon juice and water can also be used as a mouthwash.
Applying lemon juice directly to your oral thrush lesions may not be beneficial, as the acidity can exacerbate irritation.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Thrush
Most people have Candida albicans in their mouths, which usually does not cause any problems.
When the fungus overgrows, it can cause bothersome symptoms such as:
- Cottage cheese-like lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, tonsils, or roof of the mouth
- Feelings of redness, soreness, or burning
- Eating or swallowing difficulties
- Taste loss
- Mouth feeling dry or cottony.
- The corners of the mouth are red.
- Scraping the lesions may cause mild bleeding.
When to See a Doctor About Oral Thrush
Oral thrush usually disappears within 1-2 weeks. Sometimes, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you feel unwell, see your doctor.
- Your immune system is weak due to a medical condition (such as HIV or cancer).
- Oral thrush symptoms are present in your child.
- Even though you are generally healthy, your sores won't go away with at-home treatments.
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