What will treat oral thrush

Occasionally, a biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of oral thrush. A small sample is taken from the white patches inside your mouth and this can be examined under a microscope.

For mild oral thrush, the usual treatment that is tried first is miconazole mouth gel for seven days. Sometimes a two-week course is needed. Nystatin drops are another option if miconazole gel cannot be used for example, if you are known to be allergic to it. Tablets that contain a medicine called fluconazole can also help to clear fungal and thrush infections from the body.

Tablets tend to be used in more severe or serious cases. For example, for people with a poor immune system who develop extensive oral thrush. Tablets are usually prescribed for seven days and this will usually clear oral thrush. If you are taking other medication that may have caused oral thrush, such as steroids or antibiotics , your doctor may need to change this medication or reduce the dose to help clear up your thrush.

It may be possible to alter one or more of the situations mentioned above to help prevent further bouts of oral thrush. For example:. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Oral thrush in adults is not contagious.

Causes Oral thrush is due to overgrowth of a candida yeast on the moist surfaces that line the inside of the mouth and tongue. Candida, which is a type of fungus, is a normally harmless inhabitant of the skin and digestive tract. However, under certain conditions such as an underlying health condition or use of some medications candida can grow more quickly and create an infection.

Risk factors The following are factors that can increase the risk of developing an oral thrush: Infancy or old age Weakened immunity due to cancer, certain immune system deficiency disorders, or infection with HIV Diabetes that is untreated or poorly controlled may result in high levels of sugar glucose in the saliva, which encourages the growth of candida Dry mouth due to disease of the salivary glands or certain medications, e.

Signs and symptoms In adults and older children, signs and symptoms of oral thrush may include: Red inflamed areas in the mouth dotted with creamy white patches, which if wiped off leave red lesions that can bleed Cracks and redness at the corners of the mouth Loss of taste Unpleasant taste in the mouth Inside of the mouth may be painful, e.

In infants, typical signs and symptoms of oral thrush are: Tongue is covered in a thick white coating that cannot be easily rubbed off White spots on the inside of the cheeks Fussiness, irritability, and feeding difficulties Nappy rash. Women who develop candida infection of the breast may experience these signs and symptoms: Abnormally red, sensitive, cracked, or itchy nipples Nipple and areola may have a shiny appearance Pain in both nipples or breasts during or after feeds, which can be quite severe and last for up to an hour Stabbing or stinging pain deep within the breast.

Diagnosis Oral thrush can be diagnosed by its characteristic appearance. Treatment For babies, talk with your midwife, Plunket nurse, pharmacist or doctor about appropriate treatment options. Drinking or rinsing with water and after inhalation of topical corticosteroid for asthma Sterilising dummies and feeding bottles after each use Treating dry mouth or a vaginal candida infection as soon as possible Removing dentures at night Keeping dentures clean, e.

Go to our Medical Library Index Page to find information on other medical conditions. The goal of any oral thrush treatment is to stop the rapid spread of the fungus, but the best approach may depend on your age, your overall health and the cause of the infection. Eliminating underlying causes, when possible, can prevent recurrence. Thrush may return even after it's been treated if the underlying cause, such as poorly disinfected dentures or inhaled steroid use, isn't addressed.

You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or pediatrician. However, if you have an underlying condition that's contributing to the problem, you may be referred to a specialist for treatment. The doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Be ready to answer them to reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. Buy clove oil here. Oregano oil is used to flavor foods, but it also has antimicrobial and antifungal abilities. According to older research from conducted on mice and in vitro, oregano oil was effective against Candida albicans. Further research is needed. Buy oregano oil here. People with dentures have a higher risk of oral thrush. This may cause a condition similar to thrush called denture stomatitis.

According to a in vitro study , apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties against Candida and may be a good alternative treatment option for people with denture stomatitis. Some natural health professionals recommend rinsing with undiluted apple cider vinegar, but this may cause a painful burning sensation in your mouth. Buy apple cider vinegar here. Vitamin C also called ascorbic acid is necessary for proper immune system function.

It does this by encouraging white blood cell production, which helps protect your body against infection. A healthy immune system helps bring balance back to your body.

If your immune system is compromised, however, it may spread and become a systemic infection. Contact your doctor right away at the first signs of oral thrush if you have a compromised immune system.

Other conditions mimic oral thrush, such as oral hairy leukoplakia and lichen planus. See your doctor for a proper diagnosis before self-treating. Talk with your pediatrician before using.