This type of yeast infection is called oral candidiasis , oropharyngeal candidiasis , or just thrush. The Candida fungus is also the most frequent cause of penile and vaginal yeast infection. The mouth is one of the most common sites of Candida infections, which leads to oral thrush.

This fungus is also found within the digestive tract and vagina. Small amounts of Candida are almost always present in the mouth, but oral thrush infections happen when an overgrowth of Candida occurs. Chemical changes that lead to thrush can occur as a side effect of exposure to certain drug treatments, antibiotics, or specific medical conditions like diabetes, for example.

Free weekly dental health advice in your inbox, plus 10 Insider Secrets to Dental Care as a free download when you sign up. Candida albicans is a form of opportunistic pathogenic yeast yeast that causes disease in humans that leads to plenty of problems.

In severe cases, oral thrush spots can spread into the esophagus called esophageal candidiasis , causing:. If you experience an infection that occurs after breastfeeding, the best way to clear it up fast is an antifungal cream like clotrimazole Lotrimin or terbinafine Lamisil.

For some people, thrush can make the mouth too sensitive for regular oral hygiene, which only upsets the balance further. This process can cause problems in various parts of the body, including the liver, heart, and brain.

Below are images of some examples of oral thrush. You might think that diagnosing oral thrush symptoms would be easy — particularly in mouths covered with white spots.

For adults, the same tests can apply, but oral thrush can mimic the symptoms of various illnesses and diseases.

Some Candida symptoms appear similarly to the earlier stages of cancer, making it difficult to pinpoint a cause. Some doctors will suggest blood tests to examine conditions that make you more susceptible to oral thrush.

For instance, they might use a blood test to check for levels of folate, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and iron. Occasionally, doctors will need a biopsy to confirm an oral thrush diagnosis. Suspicion of esophageal candidiasis may necessitate a throat swab culture or an endoscopy.

For babies, the matter can clear up spontaneously. Mothers can prevent further infection by sterilizing mouth toys and feeding equipment. That might mean adjusting diabetes treatments or investing in better-fitting dentures. For mild cases of oral thrush, the usual treatment is nystatin Nyamyc , which is a topical application that is in liquid drop form.

Miconazole mouth gel or lozenges are also fairly effective but may lead to vomiting or diarrhea. Tablets containing the common antifungal medications fluconazole Diflucan or itraconazole Sporanox can also clear fungal infections from the body.

Tablets are often prescribed for more severe cases. In complex cases, systemic treatments are offered through antifungal tablets and injections. Remember: The best way to avoid getting re-infected is to change the conditions that caused the overgrowth of Candida in the first place.

Most of the time, overcoming oral problems is about maintaining good hygiene. Learning proper brushing and flossing techniques while maintaining a healthy diet can limit your risk of Candida overgrowth. These solutions are effective at minimizing some of the most uncomfortable symptoms of Candida:.

Various essential oils are as effective as antifungals. Keep in mind that essential oils should only be used in the mouth for a short period of time, as they may kill good bacteria along with the bad.

For instance, clove oil is just as effective as nystatin — a drug frequently prescribed to manage oral thrush. A study published in found that oregano oil was a powerful alternative oral thrush treatment. Myrrh oil can kill a variety of different fungi and parasites, including Candida.

Studies have found that when mixed with toothpaste, myrrh controls Candida overgrowth. Apple cider vinegar ACV may help to regulate the presence of Candida while restoring the natural pH level in the mouth.

Since apple cider vinegar has a pretty strong taste, you might need to dilute it with water to sip throughout the day. If you wear dentures, soaking them in ACV overnight may help to kill Candida that would otherwise stick around on your dental appliance.

Try this recipe for banishing bad breath with apple cider vinegar. Since a poor pH balance can often lead to halitosis bad breath , an apple cider rinse may solve two problems at once. This substance promotes the natural restoration of good bacteria in your system and can keep Candida in check.

In other words, it returns balance to your mouth. Coconut oil possesses several great antimicrobial properties. The combination of caprylic and lauric acid found in coconut oil helps to kill off excess Candida. You can use it topically or mix it with food.

Studies have found that coconut oil is just as effective as fluconazole a common Candida medication against thrush symptoms. Caprylic acid, one of the major components of coconut oil, may be powerful against Candida infection on its own. For another perspective on curing candida in the mouth, read this guest post by Amie Valpone, who shares her advice and experience with candida.

If you have oral thrush, you can pass it to someone else via kissing or oral sex. A vaginal or penile yeast infection may be contagious during anal, oral, or vaginal sex and can present as oral thrush, even if it started elsewhere. Mothers may pass vaginal yeast infections to babies as oral thrush during delivery or breastfeeding.

Although Candida infections can be contagious, having any sort of yeast infection does not necessarily mean you contracted it from another person. Candida overgrowth is a common problem for many people.

Even so, rinsing your mouth with salt water can be extremely beneficial for oral health. Swish the solution around your mouth for 15 to 20 seconds and spit it out. Some research suggests that baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate , may act as a disinfectant against Candida.

Apple cider vinegar , which contains maleic acid, has proven antifungal properties. albicans in the test tube than the antifungal drug Mycostatin nystatin. Whether the same is true in humans is unknown. To prepare a mouth rinse, choose an apple cider vinegar brand that is raw and unfiltered. The solution can be made by diluting 1 teaspoon of vinegar with one cup of water.

Rinse for 10 to 20 seconds. Probiotics introduce "good" bacteria into the body to help control "bad" bacteria and prevent the overgrowth of yeast. Though probiotic cultures may not kill off excess yeast, they may limit their growth and restore the natural balance of microorganisms in the mouth.

Lactobacillus probiotics are especially good at this. Probiotics can be found in many foods, including:. Probiotics also come in supplement form. Most are taken by mouth once daily. Look for yogurts that contain live cultures and are low in sugar.

Sugar can fuel the growth of C. albicans and should be avoided during an active yeast infection. Turmeric is a golden spice that contains an anti-inflammatory chemical called curcumin which may help to combat oral thrush.

Lab studies suggest that curcumin may help control C. albicans overgrowth. Other studies contend that curcumin can enhance the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy PDT , an alternative light-based treatment of oral fungal infections. Turmeric is available as a spice and a supplement.

To make a turmeric mouthwash, gently simmer two teaspoons of turmeric spice in one cup of water for three to five minutes. Allow to cool before use, and brush your teeth afterward. Lemon juice, which contains a high concentration of citric acid , has antifungal properties.

But it may be the essential oils from the skin of the lemon that is most beneficial. According to a lab and animal study conducted in , the essential oil of lemon peels was able to inhibit the growth of C. albicans without causing toxicity. Essential oil concentrations of 1.

To make a lemon essential oil mouthwash, add 10 to 20 drops of the essential oil to one cup of water. Rinse your mouth for 10 to 20 seconds and spit out.

Do not swallow. Increasing your intake of vitamin C ascorbic acid may help boost your immune system and help clear oral thrush faster. It does so by stimulating the production of white blood cells that fight all types of infection. While the principle seems sound, there is little research to suggest how much vitamin C is needed and how effective it would be in controlling C.

Studies involving atopical vitamin C ointment for vaginal yeast infections also caused by C. albicans showed that it had no effect on the actual infection but helped prevent reinfection. More research is needed. Vitamin C supplements are widely available at grocery stores, pharmacies, and natural health stores.

Avoid taking more than the dosage on the product label as high doses can lead to heartburn and diarrhea. Lemongrass , a lemony-scented plant in the grass family, also appears to have antifungal properties that may be effective against oral thrush.

Another study concluded that lemongrass oil is effective at both preventing and eliminating C. albicans on dental devices—a common source of oral thrush infections.

To use lemongrass as a home remedy for thrush, steep fresh lemongrass in hot water for five minutes to make tea or mouthwash. Fresh lemongrass can be found in gourmet groceries and Asian food markets.

Clove oil has powerful antifungal properties that may effectively treat and prevent oral thrush. Cloves contain eugenol , a compound that has been shown to eliminate C.

albicans and prevent it from returning. A study found adding clove oil to the antifungal medication clotrimazole improved the drug's effectiveness against oral candidiasis. Even so, clove oil should be used with caution as it can cause mouth irritation and contact dermatitis.

For mouthwash, limit yourself to 10 drops of clove oil per 1 cup of water. Anything more can be extremely bitter. Never use clove oil in children as even small amounts have been reported to cause severe side effects such as seizures and liver injury.

Oil of oregano is also used as a home remedy for oral thrush. In lab studies, the oil has proven effective against several strains of Candida. Thymol , the compound that gives certain herbs like oregano their "grassy" flavor, is thought to be responsible for the antifungal effects.

Other lab studies found that the oil of oregano was as effective as the antifungal drug Diflucan fluconazole in controlling a variety of Candida strains. Further research is needed to see if the same results can be replicated in humans.

As with lemon essential oil, oil of oregano needs to be diluted at a ratio of 10 to 20 drops per cup of water. The oil of wild oregano Origanum vulgare is thought to be the most effective.

Essential oils are used in a variety of ways to improve health and wellness. Research suggests several essential oils have antifungal properties that may be effective against C.

albicans, including:. Still, more research is needed to determine their efficacy and safety in treating conditions such as oral thrush. In addition to making mouthwashes, you can add 1 to 2 drops of these essential oils to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, swishing it around your mouth for a couple of minutes before spitting it out.

Wait a few minutes before brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth with water. Practicing good oral hygiene can help prevent thrush. This includes:. Oral thrush is also common when using certain inhalers for asthma or COPD. To reduce the risk, use a spacer attachment that delivers the drugs deep into the airways rather than dispersing them in the mouth.

Brush your teeth afterward. People who are immunocompromised are also at risk of oral thrush and need to stay healthy to prevent infection. People with HIV should be treated with antiretroviral drugs that suppress the virus and help build and maintain a stronger immune system.

Although oral thrush can often be managed at home, it should ultimately be seen by a healthcare provider as it is unusual for an otherwise healthy person to get it.

To this end, it's important to recognize the signs and symptoms of oral thrush so you can act. These include:. Sudden, severe oral candidiasis may be a red flag for a more serious condition, including HIV. If left untreated, the fungus may spread to the esophagus feeding tube and even disseminate spread throughout the body.

Seek immediate medical care if you develop symptoms of esophageal candidiasis, including:. Home remedies for oral thrush oral candidiasis include probiotics, vitamin C, or mouth rinses made with salt water, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, lemon essential oil, lemongrass, oil of oregano, clove oil, and other essential oils.

Good oral hygiene is also essential. It often does. But it's not a good idea to wait very long to see if it will. Not only will you still have unpleasant symptoms, but it's also possible for the infection to spread. Listerine may kill the fungus that causes thrush.

However, it contains alcohol, which can increase the burning sensation caused by the infection. Daily use of an antiseptic mouthwash may help prevent thrush, however. Oral thrush is common in babies. People with certain health conditions e. Smoking, wearing dentures, and taking certain medications like corticosteroids increase the risk as well.

Huynh NC, Everts V, Leethanakul C, Pavasant P, Ampornaramveth RS. Rinsing with saline promotes human gingival fibroblast wound healing in vitro.

PLoS One. Krauke Y, Sychrova H. Four pathogenic Candida species differ in salt tolerance. Curr Microbiol. Yang Y, Zhang F, Lyu X, Yan Z, Hua H, Peng X. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. Mota AC, de Castro RD, de Araújo Oliveira J, de Oliveira Lima E. Antifungal activity of apple cider vinegar on Candida species involved in denture stomatitis.

J Prosthodont. Matsubara VH, Wang Y, Bandara HMHN, Mayer MPA, Samaranayake LP. Probiotic lactobacilli inhibit early stages of Candida albicans biofilm development by reducing their growth, cell adhesion, and filamentation. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. Man A, Ciurea CN, Pasaroiu D, Savin AI, Toma F, Sular F, Santacroce L, Mare A.

New perspectives on the nutritional factors influencing growth rate of Candida albicans in diabetics. An in vitro study. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz.

Marques Meccatti V, de Souza Moura L, Guerra Pinto J, et al.

This, along with a more widespread use of immunosuppressive medications and therapies, have contributed to the problem. Certain medications, such as birth control pills , corticosteroids and antibiotics, disrupt the balance of microorganisms in the mouth.

Birth control pills can adversely affect the body, leading to a candida infection. Some women find that birth control pills instigate yeast infections and allow candida to take root. A study involving patients that was conducted in Italy found that oral contraceptives may influence the recurrence of candidiasis.

According to the study, patients with recurrent candida overgrowth were more likely than the control group to have used birth control pills in the year before evaluation, to have used antibiotics in the last month and to have a higher number of lifetime sex partners, which increases the risk of candida vaginitis.

Corticosteroid inhalants that are commonly used by people with asthma may also be problematic because they increase the risk of developing candida in the mouth. In the last decade, there has been ample scientific evidence for the immune dysfunction associated with antibiotic use and the reduction of healthy probiotics.

Overuse of antibiotics kills both the good and bad bacteria in the body, allowing candida to flourish. Probiotics are the good bacteria or flora that live in the digestive tract. These bacteria, yeasts and molds make up 70 percent to 85 percent of the immune system and help us to break down foods and gain nutrition from them.

Cancer patients have an increased risk of candida infection because the disease and treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy, weaken the immune system — allowing the bad microbes to spread and inhabit the body.

A study published in the Journal of Infection found that invasive candidiasis is a common and serious complication of cancer and cancer treatments. Thirty-three percent 74 out of of patients who were being treated for cancer had active candida pathogens and confirmed diagnosis of invasive candidiasis.

People with untreated or uncontrolled diabetes have large amounts of sugar in their saliva, encouraging the growth of candida. Because candida is a type of yeast, and sugar feeds yeast, it is clear that people with diabetes are at a greater risk for developing oral thrush.

According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism , diabetic patients are more susceptible to infections because the hyperglycemic environment causes immune dysfunction. Sugars and bacteria can build up on dentures, allowing for candida to thrive and overpower the good bacteria in the mouth, especially if the person has taken too any antibiotics in the past or has a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.

It is important that people with dentures take good care of them — cleaning them properly every day. Plaque accumulation on dentures may lead to a buildup of microorganisms and candida overgrowth. According to a Brazilian study, of the many health benefits of cinnamon , one is its anticandidal compounds that can be effectively utilized for the control of thrush.

Research published in Pathogens and Disease investigated cranberry juice and extracts for their effects on oral candida. The study authors found that cranberry possesses anti-adhesion agents that help prevent candida activity. Fermented vegetables strengthen the immune system and boost microflora in the body.

Kimchi, pickles and sauerkraut provide the body with probiotics and help restore the balance of bacteria in the mouth and body. Vegetables like sweet potatoes, yams, peas, mung beans, lentils, kidney beans, butternut squash, carrots and beets are able to support the spleen in clearing candida from the body.

Adding cultured dairy and probiotic foods to your diet, like goat milk kefir and probiotic yogurt, can effectively kill the candida in the body by boosting probiotics and helping restore the balance of bacteria.

Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties, and the combination of lauric acid and caprylic acid found in coconut oil kills off harmful candida through ingestion and topical application.

A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that coconut oil was active against species of candida at percent concentration compared to fluconazole, a common antifungal medication prescribed to patients with candida overgrowth.

Coconut oil pulling is one of the best ways to promote a healthy mouth. According to the Indian Journal of Dental Research , oil pulling detoxifies the oral cavity and creates a clean, antiseptic environment. Spit out the oil in the trash, and immediately rinse your mouth out with warm water and brush your teeth.

Processed and refined, sugary foods create the environment that candida and other diseases need to survive. Even fruit and natural sugars, like honey and maple syrup, should only be eaten in small amounts.

A study published in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine found that eliminating excessive use of sugary foods brought about a dramatic reduction in the incidence and severity of candida overgrowth.

The study involving women was undertaken in an attempt to gain insight about the role of dietary sugar ingestion in the pathogenesis of this type of infection. Alcohol is another substance to avoid in order to treat or prevent oral thrush.

Alcohol weakens the immune system and allows for the growth of candida. Milk thistle supplements help cleanse your liver from prescription medications, such as steroids, birth control pills and antibiotics. It also helps the body detoxify environmental pollution, heavy metals , and the remnants of chemotherapy and radiation — all factors that lead to a weakened immune system.

In addition, silymarin, a supplement derived from the seed shells of milk thistle, has displayed in anti-candida activity in studies. Ascorbic acid, aka vitamin C, shows promise in inhibiting candida, and we know that vitamin C is a huge immune system booster.

Take 1, milligrams of vitamin C twice daily to boost the adrenal glands and restore the immune system. A study found that caprylic acid reduces symptoms associated with viral and fungal infections like candida. For mothers with thrush on the nipples, apply white distilled vinegar and one teaspoon of baking soda diluted with eight ounces of water to the infected area in order to help inhibit candida.

Because of the plaque and sugars that build up on dentures , it is important that they are cleaned thoroughly and properly. Leave dentures out of the mouth while sleeping.

This gives the mucosa, the mucous membranes in the mouth, a chance to recover. It has antifungal properties and naturally kills candida overgrowth in the mouth and vagina. Then remove the heat, and let it cool for at least an hour.

Strain the water, and drink small portions throughout the day. Popular Posts All Time This Week {position} Detox Your Liver: A 6-Step Liver Cleanse. More Health Dr. Axe on Facebook Dr.

Axe on Twitter 70 Dr. Axe on Instagram Dr. Boost this good foundation with the following foods for an extra ounce of prevention or treatment. These helpful foods contribute to a hostile environment for yeast.

Hummus is an easy way to make garlic more palatable—make your own mixed with coconut oil for an immune boost—and roasted garlic is delightfully sweet and easy to prepare. Try giving your child a few cloves a day mixed into savoury foods or even let them try it straight-up!

Lavender tea : This is lovely and soothing blended with ice. Lavender oil is antifungal and adding lemon to the tea can also alkalinize the mouth and fight yeast. Have fun and blend lavender with other herbal teas like chamomile and mint for added benefits.

Seaweed : Mineral-rich ocean vegetables like seaweed are not only superfoods that help the digestive system thrive and flush out toxins, they pack an iodine punch that can support the thyroid and keep the metabolism chugging along well. Many little people like the crunch of seaweed on a sushi roll made with brown rice and stuffed with veggies.

Nuts and seeds : Omega-3 rich, and anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-parasitic, munching on almonds, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds is an easy yeast-fighting, immune-boosting snack kids can manage on their own.

Fermented foods : Probiotics that naturally occur in fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, and kimchi, serve the microbiome by working with the good bacteria to overcome the bad. Try making a plain Greek yogurt smoothie blended with berries and a squeeze of agave or honey, or consider consuming raw dairy products.

Acidic foods : A lot of kids like pickles, olives, and vinaigrette dressings, and apple cider vinegar ACV is a known anti-fungal. Water : Drinking more water in general can swish away yeast by hydrating anti-fungal enzymes and bacteria that naturally occur in saliva. A dry mouth promotes an unfair hierarchy of unwanted microbes.

Raw oat milk : This is also very helpful for both fighting yeast and digestion as it contains prebiotic soluble fiber and antifungal enzymes that encourage a healthier bowel flora. When diet needs a little help, consider supplementing with these nutrients to help give thrush the heave-ho! Vitamin D deficiency is common in babies and nursing moms but it is critical for the immune system.

Be sure to get your blood levels checked and aim for at least 50 on your results. Vitamin D does not naturally occur in many foods and is primarily synthesized in the body through exposure to sunlight. Exposure can be a tricky balance and depends on conditions such as your geographic location, skin colour, and the time of day.

Try to make sure children get between 10 and 20 minutes per day of sunlight directly on their skin, preferably before 10 AM and after 2 PM and without sunscreen. Probiotics can help crowd out the yeast right from the mouth all the way on out through the stool.

A good probiotic should contain many different strains and be prepared in a high potency, often called a CFU colony-forming unit, a way to measure the count of bacteria. Taking probiotics with a meal is a must: Mix into foods, formula, or sprinkle on your nipples a few times a day before nursing.

Overdosing is highly unlikely, however loose stools can occur and should normalize quickly. Avoid pastries, soda, candies, sweetened cereals, and other refined, processed foods.

Avoiding sweeteners is the best policy, but if you need a little bit, xylitol, a sugar substitute often added to gums, toothpastes, and lozenges is fine to use and may actually help decrease the microbes in the mouth. Stevia and other sugar alcohol blends like erythritol are also fine in moderation.

All can be found at your local health food store in packets or the bulk section. Ask all caregivers especially grandparents! to be on board with the diet changes or else treating thrush will become even harder. Homeopathic remedies can be very effective for the treatment of thrush.

If your little one is susceptible to frequent infections, consult a professional specializing in homeopathy. There are thousands of potential remedies for treating this condition, and while sometimes one type is enough to clear up the issue, other cases may require a combination for a lasting effect.

The following are some of the most common ones for treating thrush. The most frequently successful remedy for thrush especially for breastfed infants. There are raw sores on the mouth and tongue. Eating is very painful and the thrush easily bleeds upon touching.

Swollen gums and a puffy tongue are seen and coating is yellow or dark. Try this remedy if Mercurius seems indicated but does not help. Tongue and gums are not as affected, breath likely fine.

May also have skin problems too. Indicated if the child cannot be pleased and is very fussy. This is also a common remedy in teething. Often accompanied by loose stool. These kids tend to be heavy in general, crave milk, and perspire from the scalp. They tend to worry a lot and catch colds easily.

Discharge may occur in other places besides the mouth. Useful when the baby has a thick, milky white coating on the tongue.

Coating is more white than yellow. Worse with heat. Lack of appetite can be significant. Give this remedy at the onset of symptoms when the baby's tongue is becoming white and coated and there are no other strong symptoms.

The tongue may be patchy with a grey or white coating on the base. Choose this remedy if there is a cough or runny nose along with the thrush, as it helps clears congestion. Dosage : Use a 12C or 30C potency of the indicated homeopathic remedy every 3 to 6 hours for a few days. Add three to five pellets to spring water and give to infants and children thirty minutes away from other foods and drinks.

Pellets can also be added to mouth directly. Increase the length of time between doses once symptoms start to improve. If there is no improvement after a few doses of the indicated remedy, try a different one. Dispense them directly into the cap and then into the mouth or water.

Store the vial away from cell phones and computers as radiation can interfere with the energetic nature of the remedies. Nothing takes the place of good oral hygiene. These contain neem and tea tree oil. Charcoal-based tooth products can not only help balance the oral microbes by changing pH levels, they can prevent cavities and bad breath, add minerals back into teeth, remove oral toxins, and gently scrub away stains.