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.
Directly apply extra-virgin coconut oil on the inner mouth area and tongue using a cotton swab. Do this a few times a day for a week.
Every morning, do oil pulling with 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin coconut oil on an empty stomach. Swish the oil around your mouth for 10 minutes, then spit it out. Rinse your mouth with warm water and brush your teeth as usual. Do this daily to maintain good oral health.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains enzymes that can control candida infection. It also restores the body’s pH level to fight the overgrowth of the infection-causing yeast. In addition, it boosts the immune system and gives you a strong defense against candida.
According to a 2014 study published in the Journal of Prosthodontics, apple cider vinegar showed antifungal properties against candida species.
Mix 2 teaspoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Use this solution to rinse your mouth several times a day until you notice improvement.
Also, add 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and a little raw honey to a cup of warm water and drink it twice daily.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil works effectively to treat oral thrush. Its powerful antifungal properties help control the growth of yeast and provide quick recovery.
In a 2004 study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, researchers found the antifungal effects of tea tree oil and its components on candida albicans to be highly effective.
Add 4 or 5 drops of tea tree oil to 1 cup of warm water.
Use this solution to gargle for a couple of minutes.
Use this remedy twice daily until the infection has improved.
Note: Remember not to ingest tea tree oil as it can cause side effects.
6. Baking Soda
Baking soda is an effective and inexpensive remedy for oral thrush. It can kill the yeast that causes the infection.
According to a 2009 study published in the Brazilian Oral Research journal, 5 percent sodium bicarbonate is effective against candida albicans.
In addition, it helps maintain good pH levels in the mouth by neutralizing acids.
Mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda with enough water to form a paste. Use a cotton ball to apply this paste on the tongue and inner cheek area. Wait for a few minutes, then rinse your mouth with warm water. Follow this remedy 2 or 3 times a day for a few days.
Also, dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. Use this solution to rinse your mouth twice daily until you get rid of the problem.
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