Oral thrush is a condition caused by the fungus, Candida albicans. An overgrowth of the fungi in the mouth causes the symptoms associated with the condition. These symptoms include a thick white coating on the tongue and lining of the mouth that does not scrape off easily, bleeding from the tongue and discomfort. Babies younger than six months of age, individuals who are immune-compromised and individuals wearing dentures are most at risk for developing an oral thrush infection. Home remedies may help relieve the discomfort and clear up the infection.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is the beginning of the treatment for oral thrush infections. The affected individual may feel pain and refuse to drink adequate amounts of fluids. This decrease in fluids increases the dryness in the mouth and may lead to cracking and bleeding on the tongue. Keeping hydrated helps prevent this and assists the body in fighting the infection.
Oral Hygiene
Curing a thrush infection in the mouth includes proper oral hygiene. Brushing the teeth and mouth two times each day is essential. Flossing helps remove bacteria from between the teeth. Changing the toothbrush frequently during an infection helps decrease the likelihood of reinfecting the mouth. Mouthwashes and rinses may further disrupt the balance of bacteria in the mouth and cause an increase in the thrush infection, so affected individuals need to avoiding using these products.
Eating Yogurt
Eating unsweetened yogurt with lactobacilli helps treat an oral thrush infection. The live cultures in the yogurt help restore the natural flora balance in the mouth. Lactobacilli bacteria are helpful in eliminating the yeast growth in the mouth, according to Kids Health from Nemours.
Saltwater Rinse
Using a saltwater rinse helps restore the balance of flora in the mouth. The proper ratio for salt to water is ½ teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of warm water, according to the Mayo Clinic. Swishing and spitting the solution out each day helps treat the oral thrush infection.
Washing
For babies with a thrush infection, cleaning anything placed in the mouth is essential for treating the yeast. Washing bottle nipples and pacifiers in hot water or boiling them after use kills the yeast that accumulates on the products. Using equal parts of water and vinegar to wash the bottles, nipples and pacifiers also helps get rid of the yeast.
Break the Cycle
For nursing babies, the mother may continue to spread yeast to the baby during feedings and begin a cycle of passing the infection back and forth. The mother may require treatment to break the cycle. Using absorbent pads without a plastic liner in the bra helps decrease the possibility of yeast growth in the nipples of the mother.
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