Oral Thrush Treatment Over-the-Counter Options and Advice

Oral thrush occurs inside a person’s mouth and appears on the tongue, inner cheek, gums or inner lips. The lesions which form and develop in a person’s mouth are caused by a yeast-shaped fungus called Candida albicans. Oral thrush typically affects young infants, although children and adults can be diagnosed with it too.

Infants are more commonly affected by thrush because as newborns they are exposed to the bacteria during birth. In children and adults, it can be caused by frequent use of oral antibiotics, smoking, diabetes, birth control, and other immune diseases.

What Are the Symptoms of Oral Thrush?

A person who has developed oral thrush typically develops lesions in their mouths which are thick and white. These lesions coat the inside of a person’s mouth (on the tongue, inner cheeks, inner lips, or gums). There may be no sign of oral thrush in its initial stages, but as the fungus grows the following symptoms are likely to occur:

• White bumps inside mouth
• Trouble swallowing
• Bleeding
• Pain inside of the mouth
• Fussiness (in infants)

Oral thrush can also be transferred from an infant to a mother while breastfeeding. The symptoms associated with thrush caused by breastfeeding include:

• Pain or itchiness around the nipples
• Flaking skin around the nipple
• Pain in the breast
• Pain while breastfeeding

There are many different treatment options for oral thrush. Some of these options include home remedies, liquids, lozenges, and tablets. Generally, a dentist or doctor will examine a patient’s mouth as well as the lesions using a microscope. In addition, doctors typically conduct blood tests and/or physical exams to reach a proper diagnosis. The type of treatment a patient is given when they are diagnosed with oral thrush depends on their age as well as the overall state of their health.

Over-the-Counter Options for Oral Thrush

Treatment for thrush stops the spread of the fungus and can be given in various forms. If you are searching for over-the-counter options for oral thrush, there are many different medications you can choose from which are both effective and affordable. Of course, it is always recommended that you speak to your doctor first to see what your best options for treatment are. Once you have spoken to your doctor or a health professional about your symptoms and have been properly diagnosed, they can give you your options and help you decide what form of treatment works best for you.

Here are some over-the-counter options you can use to treat oral thrush.

Fluconazole

Fluconazole products are some of the most commonly used products to treat thrush. Fluconazole is an antifungal medication which is used to treat various forms of fungal infections. This type of medication usually comes in the form of tablets.

Lozenges

Lozenges are available over the counter and help keep a person’s mouth moist to help provide relief. There are several different types of lozenges available on the market that can help relieve the symptoms associated with thrush.

Acidophilus

Acidophilus is available in capsules or liquids. Although acidophilus does not completely destroy fungus growth, it can help restore and control bacteria levels in a person’s mouth.

Oral Rinse

Over the counter, oral rinses are available to help treat mild oral thrush. They can work for up to eight hours. Some rinses recommend rinsing three times a day while gradually reducing it as symptoms improve.

Oral Spray

Oral spray can help lubricate a person’s mouth if they have developed oral thrush. There are many different over the counter oral spray medications available. These sprays are alcohol-free and help alleviate the burning pain associated with thrush.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is also an effective and affordable over-the-counter option for oral thrush. it works by killing the bacteria that causes the infection.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another effective form of treatment that can be used to treat oral thrush. To use hydrogen peroxide as an oral thrush treatment, all a person has to do is purchase 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and swish it around his or her mouth for 30 seconds a few times a day until the symptoms begin to improve.

Home Remedies for Oral Thrush

In addition to many over-the-counter treatments for oral thrush, there are also several different home remedies people can use to treat it. These home remedies are inexpensive, effective, and easy.

Some home remedies for oral thrush include:

• Saltwater
• Apple cider vinegar
• Coconut oil
• Yogurt
• Tea tree oil

How Can Oral Thrush Be Prevented?

Oral thrush can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene. This includes daily flossing and thorough brushing, particularly if you have dentures or diabetes. You can also adjust your diet by eating more yogurt or adding more probiotics to your overall food consumption.

You should also be sure to get regular checkups at your dentist. The American Dental Association recommends getting a regular routine checkup at a dentist at least every six months.

Other ways to prevent oral thrush include:

• Treating chronic health issues
• Avoiding overusing mouthwash more than the daily recommended usage
• If you use inhalers regularly, be sure to clean them
• Avoiding eating too much food that contains yeast and sugar
• Reducing or quitting smoking

If you suspect that you have oral thrush, it is best to visit your doctor or your dentist so that they can do the proper examinations and diagnose you accordingly. If you do have oral thrush, your doctor may prescribe you medication or recommend certain over the counter treatments to help relieve your symptoms.

If you suspect that you have oral thrush, check for symptoms like lesions in the mouth, pain,and soreness, and trouble swallowing. You should also ensure that your oral hygiene routine is consistent and thorough.

If you have dentures, be sure to clean them regularly and follow all preventative measures to ensure that you are not at risk for developing thrush. Most importantly, you should make frequent visits to your dentist as well as work to maintain a healthy lifestyle which incorporates good oral hygiene and a balanced diet.