21 Proven Home Remedies for Oral Thrush

Today, we will look into a variety of remedies you can make at home that will combat and decimate stubborn oral thrush.

These solutions will also improve the hygiene of your mouth, which will prevent all kinds of issues in your mouth.

 

What is Oral Thrush?

 

Oropharyngeal Candidiasis, also known as oral thrush, occurs when a fungus, Candida Albicans, contacts the inner cheeks of your mouth or your tongue.

The first sign of thrush is inner-mouth bleeding, white lesions, or redness.

It can quickly spread all throughout your mouth and throat.

If you do not adhere to treatment, it negatively influences your immune system, which could allow you to become infected with other pathogens.

These additional infections cause a cascading effect that will have a large impact on your health.

Thrush occurs when the fungal infection outperforms your immune system.

If this system is weak, it is easier for the fungus to plant a beachhead and cause you trouble.

Without using any remedies, it could take weeks for you to heal.

Is oral thrush contagious? Mouth thrush can infect others who come into contact with.

Be especially wary of being around newborns and children, as they could be affected by playing with a toy that has been in contact with an infected individual.

Is thrush contagious for healthy adults?

Although greatly diminished, the risk of infection is still present in healthy persons.

Fortunately, some medications fight fungal infections.

The downsides to pharmaceuticals are the possibilities of liver damage, allergic reactions, and changes in estrogen levels.

While they will kill the infection, the environment remains that supports the fungus – your mouth.

Since this environment promotes Candida growth, it may pay you another visit.

 

What Causes Oral Thrush?

 

An impacted immune system is the greatest reason for infections occurring.

Here are some factors that weaken your immune system:

• It is well-known that the radiation from chemotherapy (used in the treatment of cancer) lowers the immune system and kills white blood cells.

• Another well-known immune suppressor is HIV/AIDS. AIDS can attack your immune cells and drastically increase your chances of becoming infected with some ailments, including Candidiasis.

•  Candida also causes vaginal yeast infections. Therefore, the risk of infecting a child increases for pregnant individuals.

•  Uncontrollable or severe diabetes creates an environment that the fungus loves by increasing the sugar levels in your mouth.

But there is good news!

If you begin promoting oral health by using these home remedies, you can lower the chance of infection and lessen the pain of an existing one.

 

Oral Thrush Symptoms

 

As with many other infections, waiting too long to treat it may cause serious complications.

Fungi are known to have rapid, expansive growth, so it won’t take long for additional problems to occur after you contract the disease.

You can distinguish this illness from others by looking for sores in your mouth that have a creamy-white color.

Over time, these spots will transfer to your throat from your inner cheeks, mouth, or lips.

Without intervention, your whole inner mouth will be covered in gaping, painful wounds.

Also, look for swelling, a burning soreness when swallowing, and unusual, bad tastes.

 

Oral Thrush Risk Factors

 

It is imperative to remember that those with weakened immune systems have a higher chance of contracting oral thrush.

And although it rarely occurs, there is a link between circumstances and the infection, so healthy people can be infected.

Here are common causes:

• Smoking increases your risk of infection.

• Certain medical conditions, such as dry mouth, HIV/AIDS, and cancer impact your risk.

• Improperly sized dentures can create an environment for the fungus.

 

The Contagiousness of Oral Thrush

 

Healthy people rarely contract it, but there are exceptions, such as a healthy infant contracting it due to being nursed by an infected person.

Is thrush contagious to those with weak immune systems?

The individuals with the highest risk of infection are the elderly, denture wearers, and anyone with a compromised immune system.

How would an infant become infected?

If an infection is present in the mother, her breasts and milk may be infected as well.

To make matters worse, the child could be irritated and have difficulty feeding!

If your breasts have a dry areola, abnormal pain, and reddish, itchy nipples, you may be infected.

 

Oral Thrush Home Remedies

 

Below are the 21 most efficacious remedies that you can make at home; they will protect your mouth and reduce an already present infection.

 

Cinnamon

 

The antifungal properties of cinnamon are well-known and documented.

With the added ability to resist and kill parasites, it’s a great one to try.

Around the world, such as in China, the healing properties of cinnamon have been studied and utilized.

Journals such as Traditional Chinese Medicine continue to publish various studies regarding the benefits of cinnamon, including how it can be used to heal ailments.

It tastes great, too.

Remedies for Oral Thrush:

•  Drink 1 or two cups of cinnamon tea daily. To prepare, boil 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder with 1.5 cups of water for around 5 minutes. Additionally, one can use a cinnamon stick instead of powder. If desired, add lemon juice and filter the tea.

•  Take a few drops of cinnamon oil, and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Apply it directly onto the sores, and leave it there for 5 to 10 minutes. Afterwards, rinse your mouth out. Continue this process daily for a few days.

 

Cranberry

 

Cranberries contain a Candida-fighting compound, arbutin.

Dried cranberries are easily available any time of the year!

Remedies for Oral Thrush:

•  While fresh cranberries are recommended, cranberry tablets will work as well.

•  Find some freshly squeezed cranberry juice without sugar, and drink it a few times every day. After 2 or 3 weeks, the infection will be healed.

 

Salt

 

Salt is one of the most ancient substances desired by human beings, and it cures oral thrush.

If infected, a quick way to deal with it is to apply salt to the wound, which will help sterilize the area and increase your healing rate.

Remedies for Oral Thrush:

•  Mix 1 cup of warm water with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt. If you swish the mixture around, it will help lessen the pain in your mouth. Feel free to spit out the mixture and gargle some fresh solution.

•  Use your fingers to gently apply some salt on your tongue, and rub it in for a few seconds. Then rinse your mouth by using warm water. Repeat this process twice every day for a couple of days.

 

Warm or Hot Water

 

Fungi cannot live in certain environments, namely hot or warm ones.

Remedies for Oral Thrush:

•  For the full benefits, gargle this mixture a few times a day.

•  Pour yourself a glass of warm water, and bottoms up! It helps treat Candidiasis and various other mouth-related issues, too!

 

Garlic

 

Romans loved garlic, and health gurus still swear by it.

Garlic contains powerful antifungal properties that will strengthen your immune system while fighting infection.

If you have time, read the 2005 edition of the Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy Journal.

It contains a garlic study confirming that freshly extracted garlic is a potent antifungal and powerful treatment for fighting fungi.

Remedies for Oral Thrush:

• For prevention, eat 2 to 3 cloves of garlic every day. There are many tasty ways to cook garlic. While fresh is best, there are concentrated garlic capsules that can also be used. Due to the potential concentration, please speak with your doctor first before trying the capsules.

•  An all-around, oral-health champion, garlic attacks the disease in an extremely effective way, which helps you recover.

 

Lavender Oil

 

Lavender oil knocks out oral thrush with ease.

It is filled with antifungal properties that will stop lesions from growing, and it smells great!

Remedies for Oral Thrush:

•  Before you brush your teeth, add 2 drops of oil to your toothpaste, and begin brushing. You may like the soothing satisfaction it brings.

 

Homemade Smoothie

 

Below is a recipe that can be created at home.

It will benefit your immune system and prevent thrush.

• Chop avocados, celery sticks, cucumbers, basil leaves, and parsley. Then mix them in a bowl. Add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, pepper, and salt.

•  With around 200 ml of water, place mixture in a blender.

• Drink half of the mixture in the morning and the remainder with lunch.

 

Apple Cider Vinegar

 

Since it contains enzymes that attack the infection, apple cider vinegar is a great treatment.

By balancing pH levels and improving your immune system, Candidiasis will be cured.

In 2014, the Journal of Prosthodontics proved that apple cider vinegar is useful IN preventing and eliminating sores.

Remedies for Oral Thrush:

•  Mix 1 cup of warm water, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar.

• A few times a day, swish it around in your mouth.

• Another method is to combine honey, 1 cup of warm water, and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.

• Instead of gargling, drink it twice a day for 1 week.

 

Baking Soda

 

Cheap and efficient, baking soda is fantastic, and it destroys the infection.

You can find it just about anywhere, and you can take it with you on trips.

It also restores your pH balance and reduces the amount of acid in your mouth.

In 2009, Brazilian Oral Research recommended 5% sodium bicarbonate for the treatment of Candidiasis.

Remedies for Oral Thrush:

•  Create a paste by mixing 1 or 2 teaspoons of baking soda and water. Directly apply the paste onto the sores, and leave it there for a few minutes. Rinse. For a couple of days, repeat 2 to 3 times per day.

•  Another technique is to create a liquid and wash your mouth out with it. Take 1 glass of water, mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and swish. Repeat twice a day for 1 week.

 

Yogurt

 

The lactobacilli in yogurt have properties that fight oral thrush.

It has the added benefit of promoting a healthy gut, which affects many bodily systems.

However, remember to only use plain yogurt without sugar, as the fungus can feed off of it.

Remedies for Oral Thrush:

•  Eat a few cups of yogurt each week.

• Put some yogurt on your tongue, and rub it around your mouth. Leave it there for around 10 minutes. Then rinse your mouth with warm water twice a day.

 

Tea Tree Oil

 

Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help reduce the inflammation and fight the infection it causes.

Additionally, this kind of oil is commonly used to prevent vaginal thrush.

The Remedy for Oral Thrush Treatment:

•  Combine warm or hot water with a few drops of oil, and swish it around your mouth. For a week, use this remedy at least 3 times a day.

 

Olive Leaf

 

Super-strong and highly effective against mouth thrush, this leaf has amazing anti-fungal properties.

Due to the oleuropein in the leaf, it boosts the immune system.

Remedies for Oral Thrush:

•  Drink 250 to 500 mg of olive leaf extract 3 times every day.

• Create a tea by boiling the leaves for 15 minutes. Drink 2 cups a day.

 

Flax Seed

 

By strengthening your immune system with omega 3s, flax seeds are great to use in both prevention and treatment.

Remedies for Oral Thrush Treatment:

•  Take 1 teaspoon of flax oil daily.

• Alternatively, simply eat a 1/2 teaspoon of flax seeds.

 

Aloe Vera

 

The gel that is created from aloe vera has cooling properties, reduces swelling, and combats fungi.

Then it will coat the mouth and protect it.

The Remedy for Thrush Treatment:

•  Extract the gel from an aloe vera leaf.

• Apply the gel to sores in and around your mouth.

• Aloe vera gel can be safely used as often as needed.

 

Boric Acid

 

If you are pregnant, do not use this treatment.

Since it has antifungal powers, boric acid is another great way to treat this pesky infection.

It is mainly used for treating adult oral thrush.

But do not swallow it, as it can harm your stomach and cause pain for hours.

Again, if you are pregnant, skip this item.

The Remedy for Thrush Treatment:

•  Mix 1 glass of water with 1/4 teaspoon of boric acid.

• For one week, follow these steps: swish it around your mouth, then spit it out. Do not swallow it.

 

Clove Oil

 

Another product that fights a fungal infection is clove oil.

The Remedy for Thrush Treatment:

•  Boil some water, then mix a few drops of oil into it.

• Hold it in your mouth for a couple of minutes, then swallow it.

 

Hydrogen Peroxide

 

Most homes contain this product, and it will kill the infection.

It is a quick, inexpensive solution that is probably only a few feet away!

Make sure to use 2% hydrogen peroxide.

The Remedy for Thrush Treatment:

• Mix a 1/2 glass of water with 2% hydrogen peroxide.

• Afterwards, rinse mouth for 2 minutes, then spit out.

 

Coconut Oil

 

This oil is exotic yet simple to find, and it does a good job of eliminating fungi, which will keep your mouth happy.

The 2007 edition of the Journal of Medicinal Food provides proof that this oil responds well against Candida.

Remedies for Oral Thrush Treatment:

•  Twice a day for a week, apply coconut oil to the sores in your mouth.

• Each morning, take 1 tablespoon of oil and move it around your mouth for 10 minutes. Spit it out, wash with warm water, and brush your teeth. If you use this method daily, your oral hygiene will greatly improve.

 

Grapefruit Seed Extract

 

The antifungal and antibacterial nature of grapefruit seed extract prevents unwanted, painful experiences and removes the infection.

It’s also safe for infants to use, and the mother can rub it on before nursing.

Make sure to rub the extract all around the breast area for at least 2 minutes.

The Remedy for Thrush Treatment:

•  To maximize the benefits, combine 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract with 1 ounce of water.

• Drink this mixture twice a day. You can add ten drops of the extracted seed to an ounce of water, and consume it twice daily.

 

Black Walnut

 

Known for being a strong astringent, black walnut also boasts powerful antifungal properties.

It contains juglone, which has antibiotic properties, so it’s a wonderful option for treating that pesky oral thrush.

Remedies for Oral Thrush Treatment:

•  Eat black walnuts.

• If you dislike or cannot find these walnuts, there are capsules and extracts available.

 

Ginger

 

Used medicinally in the East for many centuries, ginger will reduce inflammation with its ingredient gingerol, and attack fungi with shogaol.

It will detoxify your body, support your liver, and grant you a joyful mouth.

Read more about the benefits of treating Candidiasis with ginger by reading a 2011 study that was published in the Journal of Dental Sciences and Research.

Remedies for Oral Thrush Treatment:

• Dice ginger into small pieces and mix with water. Drink it twice a day for a week.

• To turn it into a tea, boil some water and ginger for 30 minutes. An alternative is to get a ginger teabag and drink it twice a day for a week.

 

Additional Tips to Prevent Oral Thrush

 

• Brush and floss twice daily. Do not share toothbrushes.

•  Every 2 months, throw away your toothbrush and get a new one.

•  If you have an oral infection, throw away your toothbrush after the thrush has healed.

•  Clean your tongue with a scraper.

•  Drink iced water to cool your mouth down.

•  If you wear dentures, soak them in the cleaning liquid every night.

• If you are infected, eat food that’s easy to swallow.

• Consume less sugar. Check labels, especially the sugar content in your most commonly consumed goods.

•  If diabetic, check your sugar levels. This condition will significantly aggravate an infection.