Oral thrush, also known as oropharyngeal candidiasis, is a type of yeast infection that develops inside your mouth and on your tongue.
A small amount of the Candida albicans fungus is normally present in the mouth. Oral thrush occurs when your immune system cannot maintain its natural defense against this fungus and it grows out of control.
The infection leads to slighly raised creamy-white lesions, usually on the tongue or inner cheeks. If not controlled timely, it may spread to the roof of your mouth, gums, tonsils or the back of your throat.
Other signs and symptoms in your mouth include redness, soreness, a cottony feeling, difficulty swallowing and loss of taste.
Anyone can develop oral thrush, but it is more common in infants, elderly people, those who have a weak immune system and those who wear dentures. People who have diabetes, a vaginal yeast infection or cancer are also more prone to it.
Repeated bouts of oral thrush also indicate an immune deficiency. Hence, the first step you need to take is build your immune system through a healthy diet. Plus, maintain good oral hygiene, exercise regularly and get proper sleep and rest.
In addition, you can use some simple home remedies to control the infection and reduce the symptoms.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for oral thrush.
1. Salt
Salt is the best remedy to treat oral thrush. It creates an inhospitable environment for the fungus. In addition, salt helps relieve symptoms quickly.
- Mix ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water. Use it to gargle thoroughly, then spit it out. Repeat a few times daily until you are satisfied with the results.
- You can also sprinkle some salt on your tongue and the inside of your mouth, then rub it gently with your fingers for a few seconds. Rinse it out thoroughly with warm water. Use this remedy twice daily for a few days.
2. Yogurt
Probiotic yogurt contains live or active cultures of the lactobacilli species that can help treat thrush. It also improve your digestion. For treating yeast infection, only use plain, unsweetened yogurt.
- Eat 2 to 3 cups of yogurt daily for a few weeks.
- Also, rub some yogurt on your tongue and inside your mouth with your finger. Allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water. Do this once or twice a day for a few days.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a good remedy to fight an oral infection. It helps eliminate the yeast and reduce the discomforts associated with thrush.
In a 2007 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, researchers found coconut oil to be active against different species of candida.
7. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another effective home remedy to fight this oral yeast infection. Its powerful antiparasitic and antifungal properties can control the growth of candida albicans.
According to a 2012 study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the curative effects and antifungal activities of cinnamon oil have a positive impact against candida albicans.
- Drink 1 to 2 cups of cinnamon tea daily. To make the tea, boil ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder or a small piece of cinnamon stick in 1½ cups of water for 5 minutes. Strain and drink it. You can also add a little lemon juice in it.
- Dilute a few drops of cinnamon oil in 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil or any carrier. Apply this oil on the white patches caused by oral thrush. Leave it on 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse it off. Do this once daily for a few days.
Note: Pregnant women should avoid cinnamon.
Source: top10homeremedies.com