Thrush is a fungal infection caused by the fungus Candida. It often attacks the mouth and causes white patches inside the mouth, on the gums and tongue. It is a painful, open red sore covered with white patches that look like curd. Thrush can also attack other parts of the body, namely yeast infections in the vagina in women and diaper rash in babies. Canker sores can affect anyone, but are generally more common in infants, elderly individuals and individuals with weakened immune systems.
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Method 1 of 4: Home Remedies to Get Rid of Mouth Thrush
Step 1. Try treating thrush with oil
Using oils to treat canker sores rests on the untested theory that oils can actually draw toxins from your system. Although the results are not conclusive, many people use oils to fight the Candida fungus and provide temporary relief. Here's how to do it. This process is quite simple.
- Brush your teeth first. The oil will work more effectively if your stomach is empty.
- Take a tablespoon of oil and gargle with it for 5 to 10 minutes. Make sure it hits every part of your mouth - under your tongue, on your gums, and on the roof of your mouth.
- After 5 to 10 minutes, remove the oil and gargle again with salt water.
- Use coconut oil for best results, although you can also use olive oil. Coconut oil is said to be very effective in fighting fungus.
Step 2. Try using thyme
The herb thyme is also supposed to be an effective aid in getting rid of canker sores, although science has yet to prove this. In Europe, thyme is used to treat upper respiratory problems and thrush. Try sprinkling a little thyme on each dish that fits! You can even mix it into alcohol for medicine.
Step 3. Gargle with apple cider vinegar
Take a small amount of apple cider vinegar, dilute it with about half of distilled water, and use the liquid to gargle for a few minutes.
Another option is to mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 237 ml of water and drink it before each meal. Vinegar is intended to fight the overgrowth of yeast in the intestines which sometimes also contributes to the appearance of canker sores in the mouth
Step 4. Try eating more garlic
Garlic is full of several different sulfur-containing compounds such as allicin, alliin, alliinase and S-allylcysteine, which are known to help fight various types of fungus, including thrush. Fresh garlic works better than garlic pills, so try to find ways to incorporate more of it into your diet.
For best results, try to consume 4 to 5 crushed garlic cloves daily. If you are worried about bad breath after consuming it, try drinking 3 to 4 cups of garlic tea daily
Step 5. Use a small amount of tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is known for its anti-fungal (and anti-bacterial) properties. This is a commonly used home remedy for everything from acne to athlete's foot and it is also effective for thrush. Dilute a drop or two in a tablespoon of distilled water, dip a Q-tip, and apply to sores inside the mouth. Rinse your mouth afterwards with salt water.
Method 2 of 4: Preventing Thrush
Step 1. Take preventive measures to prevent thrush from reappearing
These steps are:
- Brushing teeth 2 to 3 times a day.
- Change your toothbrush frequently, especially during canker sores.
- Use dental floss once a day.
Step 2. Do not use mouthwash, mouth spray or mouth freshener
These products tend to upset the normal balance of microorganisms in your mouth. Remember that your body contains a number of good microorganisms that work to fight off the "bad" ones. Destroying these good microorganisms will give way to the bad ones to upset the balance.
Step 3. Visit your dentist at least twice a year and more often if you wear dentures, have diabetes or a weak immune system
A dentist may be able to spot an outbreak of thrush, or an outbreak that is about to appear, sooner than you can, so that thrush can be treated right away.
Step 4. Reduce sugar and starch intake
Sugar triggers the growth of the candida fungus. To stop its growth, you must reduce the amount of starch you consume. This includes beer, bread, soda, alcohol, most cereal products and wine. These foods feed the fungus and can prolong a Candida infection.
Step 5. Quit smoking
Smokers are more prone to trigger thrush than non-smokers.
Method 3 of 4: Medical Ways to Get Rid of Thrush in the Mouth
Step 1. Visit your dentist or family doctor for an evaluation and diagnosis, if you think you have thrush
If a medical professional determines that you have thrush, he or she will initiate treatment immediately. Healthy adults and children generally recover from canker sores more quickly than others.
Step 2. Get treatment as soon as possible
Treatment for canker sores in healthy patients is usually acidophilus pills. A medical professional may also suggest consuming plain, unsweetened yogurt.
Acidophilus and plain yogurt won't destroy the fungus, but they will reduce infection and help restore the normal balance of bacterial flora in your body. Acidophilus and yogurt are both probiotics
Step 3. Gargle with a warm salt water solution
The salt water creates an inhospitable environment for the thrush fungus that stays in the mouth for a while.
Add 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of table salt to 1 cup (237 ml) of warm water. Stir well before gargling
Step 4. Take the anti-fungal medication prescribed by your doctor, if the symptoms do not go away or if you have a weakened immune system
- You will usually take antifungal medication within 10 to 14 days. This drug is available in tablet, liquid and lozenge forms.
- Make sure you take this medicine as directed.
Step 5. Use amphotericin B when other drugs have not worked or are no longer effective
Candida fungi often become resistant to anti-fungal drugs, especially in people with HIV and other diseases that cause a weakened immune system.
Method 4 of 4: Get Rid Of Thrush In Vagina
Step 1. Menstruation
Thrush in the vagina is actually a yeast infection. While you can't control when you have your period, your period will change the pH of the vagina, making conditions less hospitable for the Candida fungus.
Step 2. Use a tampon mixed with something strategy
Mix a tampon with something, although this may not be done while you are having your period. Here are some suggestions of ingredients you can mix with your tampons to combat vaginal thrush:
- Dip in sugar-free yogurt. Apply the pad immediately, before it starts to swell. Be careful not to leak.
- Dip in diluted tea tree oil. Put on the tampon immediately, before it expands. Protect against leaks.
Step 3. Avoid using latex condoms, spermicidal creams, and lubricants
In fact, to avoid all this, try not to have sex while you have a yeast infection. Fungal infections can be transmitted during sex and prolong the occurrence of infection.
Tips
- If you have thrush and are still breastfeeding your baby, it is very important to treat the baby and yourself to prevent the yeast infection from recurring.
- If you are sexually active and suffer from thrush, it is very important that you and your partner get treatment. Otherwise, you may spread the infection to your partner.
- Soak all baby nipples, pacifiers, bottles, bitten baby toys and breast pumps in equal proportions of water and white vinegar. Allow these items to air dry to prevent mold growth.
- Wash bra and breast pads in hot water with bleach.
Warning
- Never share your toothbrush with others.
- Do not take anti-fungal drugs without having periodic blood tests to monitor liver function. Some anti-fungal drugs can cause liver disease, especially with long-term use or in cases where there is a history of liver disease.
