To treat thrush, which is a fungal infection caused by Candida species, the main approach is antifungal medication combined with supportive home remedies to relieve symptoms and restore oral balance.
Medical Treatment
- Antifungal Medications: The primary treatment for thrush involves antifungal drugs. These can be topical or systemic depending on severity.
- Topical antifungals include clotrimazole lozenges, nystatin liquid suspension, or miconazole gel, which are applied directly in the mouth for 7-14 days
* For more severe or persistent cases, oral antifungal tablets like fluconazole may be prescribed
* In rare, difficult cases, intravenous antifungals such as amphotericin B may be used in hospital settings
Home Remedies and Supportive Care
In addition to medication, several home remedies can help ease symptoms and support treatment:
- Salt Water Rinse: Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, swish in the mouth, then spit out. Salt has antiseptic and soothing properties
- Baking Soda Rinse: Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in a cup of warm water and rinse the mouth to help inhibit fungal growth
- Probiotic Yogurt: Eating unsweetened yogurt with live cultures can help restore healthy bacteria balance in the mouth, which may prevent Candida overgrowth
- Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: Diluted apple cider vinegar may help restore oral pH and inhibit fungus but should be used cautiously
- Other Remedies: Clove oil rinses, turmeric "golden milk," and lemon juice rinses have antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties but may cause irritation in some people
Additional Tips
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly
- If wearing dentures, disinfect them properly to prevent reinfection
- Complete the full course of prescribed antifungal medication even if symptoms improve
In summary, thrush is effectively treated with antifungal medications, often topical, supported by home remedies like salt water rinses and probiotics to relieve symptoms and restore oral health
