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Thrush is a common oral yeast infection that can affect anyone, regardless of age. It most commonly affects babies, young children, and the elderly. However, it can also occur in adults. Symptoms of thrush include white or yellow patches on the tongue or inner cheeks, as well as cracked, red, or sore lips. The infection can also spread to the throat, esophagus, or lungs. Left untreated, thrush can lead to serious health problems.
What Are The Causes?
Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast called Candida albicans. This yeast is found in small amounts in the mouth, digestive tract, and skin of healthy people. However, certain conditions can cause the yeast to grow out of control. These include:
A weakened immune system: This can be caused by conditions such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or cancer. It can also be caused by certain medications, such as steroids or chemotherapy drugs.
- Dry mouth: This can be caused by certain medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, or high blood pressure medications. It can also be a side effect of radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
- Dentures: Ill-fitting dentures can cause irritation and allow the yeast to grow.
- Certain medical conditions: These include diabetes, cancer, or HIV/AIDS.
What Are The Symptoms?
Symptoms of thrush include white or yellow patches on the tongue or inner cheeks, as well as cracked, red, or sore lips. The infection can also spread to the throat, esophagus, or lungs. Left untreated, thrush can lead to serious health problems.
Home Remedies for Oral Thrush?
Here are some of the most effective home remedies for thrush:
1. Salt Water
The antiseptic and soothing properties of saltwater makes it a best remedy for treating thrush and some other oral problems. Rinsing with salt water can be helpful in treating thrush.
- To use this remedy,
- Take a glass of warm water and mix 1/2 teaspoon salt in it.
- Swish the salt water around your mouth for a few minutes
- Then spit it out and Repeat this several times a day.
2. Baking Soda
The alkalizing effect of baking soda can help in restoring the pH balance in your mouth, which is necessary to prevent the growth of yeast. It also has antifungal properties that can help fight the infection.
- To use this remedy,
- Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 cup of warm water.
- Swish the mixture around your mouth for a few minutes and spit it out.
- Repeat this three times daily until the infection clears up.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
The antifungal properties of apple cider vinegar can help fight the yeast that causes thrush. In addition, it can also help restore the pH balance in your mouth.
- To use this remedy,
- Mix 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of warm water.
- Swish the mixture around your mouth for a few minutes and then spit it out.
- Repeat this once daily until the infection clears up.
- Be cautious, ACV can dissolve the tooth enamel if used frequently.
4. Probiotic Foods
Probiotic foods help in restoring the balance of good bacteria in your gut, which is necessary for preventing thrush. These include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
- To use this remedy,
- Eat a cup of yogurt or kefir daily.
- You can also add some probiotic foods to salads and other dishes.
5. Garlic
Garlic has powerful antifungal properties that can help fight the yeast that causes thrush. In addition, it can also help boost your immune system.
- To use this remedy, eat two or three cloves of garlic daily. You can also add garlic to salads or other dishes.
- This remedy lacks scientific evidence.
6. Lemon Juice
The citric acid in lemon juice can help in restoring the pH balance in your mouth, which is necessary to prevent the growth of yeast. In addition, it has antifungal properties that can help fight the infection.
- To use this remedy,
- Make a glass of lemon juice by mixing the juice of one lemon in a glass of water.
- You can drink the lemon water or rinse by swishing the mixture around your mouth for a few minutes and then spit it out.
- Repeat this three times daily until the infection clears up.
7. Clove Oil
Clove oil has powerful antifungal properties that can help fight the yeast that causes thrush. In addition, it can also help soothe the irritation and pain caused by the infection.
- To use this remedy,
- Add a few drops of clove oil to a glass of water
- Swish it around your mouth for a few minutes.
- Spit it out and then rinse your mouth with plain water.
- Repeat this two or three times daily until the infection clears up.
8. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help boost your immune system. In addition, it can also help fight the infection by restoring the pH balance in your mouth.
Eat foods rich in vitamin C such as oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and kale. You can also take vitamin C supplements. [1]
9. Turmeric
Turmeric has powerful antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight the infection and reduce the irritation and pain caused by thrush.
To use this remedy,
- Mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk.
- Swish it around your mouth for a few seconds and you can either drink it or spit it.
- This remedy lacks scientific evidence.
10. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil has powerful antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight the infection and reduce the irritation and pain caused by thrush.
- To use this remedy,
- Add two drops of oregano oil to a glass of water
- Swish it around your mouth for a few minutes.
- Spit it out and then rinse your mouth with plain water.
- Repeat this two or three times daily until the infection clears up. [2]
When to Visit a Doctor?
If the infection in your mouth gets worse or the bacteria spreads even more, then it’s time to see a doctor. In addition, if you have a weakened immune system, then you should also consult your doctor immediately.
Some of the symptoms that indicate that the infection has spread include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, then it’s time to see a doctor immediately.
Caution: Be very careful while dealing with vinegar, baking soda or essential oils as they can cause irritation if not used properly.If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have any other medical condition, then also consult your doctor before using any of these remedies.
These are some of the home remedies that can help in treating thrush. Use these remedies with safety and precaution and see which one works best for you. However, if the infection gets worse, then it’s time to visit a doctor.
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