No, the term ‘thrush’ is not just used to describe a songbird. Believe me – you don’t want to sing the same song as a certain type of yeast called Candida, which can grow out of control and create an unwanted environment in the mouth that makes it difficult to eat your food, and even swallow. Simply put, thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth. While the condition most commonly strikes babies and older adults, anyone can become a victim [1].

Causes and Symptoms

Your immune system will play an important role in the development of thrush. For example, babies are prime candidates for the condition because their immune systems are not strong enough to regulate the growth of yeast. The elderly often battle thrush because their immune systems become weaker with age.

Thrush causes white patches (called lesions) to appear in the mouth, inner cheeks, and tongue. If you should accidentally run across one of these lesions with your toothbrush, bleeding may occur. The white patches are often painful. In some cases, an oral yeast infection can infiltrate your tonsils, gums, as well as the back of your throat [2]. Severe cases bring swallowing difficulties and the feeling that food has become lodged within the throat.

An oral thrush infection is also most likely to attack when you suffer from the following illnesses:

• Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis – Reoccurring candida infections of the mouth and skin.
• HIV/AIDS – Due to weakened immune system and certain medications.
• Cancer – Due to weakened immune system caused by chemotherapy and radiation.
• Diabetes – Increased amounts of sugar in your saliva can promote the growth of candida.
• Vaginal Yeast Infections – Pregnant mothers can pass oral thrush to their babies during delivery.

Thrush Home Remedies

It’s no picnic to battle a case of oral thrush. Depending on the severity of your condition, you could fight the symptoms for about a week to as long as a couple of months. To ease the pain, discomfort, and inconvenience of oral thrush, consider the following home remedies:

a) Practice Good Oral Habits:

Brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once can cut down on the amount of time you have to suffer an oral thrush infection. Make sure to frequently replace your toothbrush until the infection is gone. Hold off on using mouthwash, as the ingredients have been known to eliminate normal flora in your mouth that can help heal a case of oral thrush.

b) Natural Remedies:

Mix equal parts of a tincture consisting of licorice, myrrh, and Echinacea. Use one teaspoon of this remedy as a mouthwash that is taken with water every three to four hours.

c) Saltwater Rinses:

Add ½ teaspoon of salt into one cup of warm water. After the salt has dissolved, swish the rinse in your mouth and then spit out.

d) Anti-Fungal Home Mouthwashes:

Blend warm water, cider vinegar and a pinch of salt to create a home remedy that fights fungus. Swish the wash around the mouth, making sure to reach all corners. Use it as a gargle for the throat.

e) Garlic and Onions:

Tap into the antifungal power of onions and garlic, which can help kill candida in the mouth. Increase the amount of garlic used in your diet to eliminate yeast infection. Onions also help heal the white patches (lesions) found in the mouth.

f) Yogurt:

Incorporate yogurt with live-acting cultures into your diet to boost the level of healthy bacteria in your mouth. Swish the yogurt about your mouth and then refrain from eating or drinking anything shortly afterwards.

g) Check Your Breasts:

Mothers are known to pass thrush onto their newborns through breastfeeding. Prevent this occurrence by looking out for abnormally red or sensitive nipples, skin on the areola that appears shiny or flaky, and shooting pains that occur deep within the breast.

h) Nursing Pads:

Yes, the fungal infection of thrush can spread to the clothing of breastfeeding mothers. Prevent this from occurring by seeking nursing pads made without a plastic barrier, as this kind of material can create an environment prime for the growth of candida.

i) Thorough Cleaning:

If you wear dentures and have thrush, cleaning your mouth and dentures each night is a must. Make sure to soak your dentures in a cleaner overnight. Rinse them well after removing from the solution and before placing back into your mouth.

j) Bottle and Nipple Care:

You can help your baby battle thrush by using hot water to clean their bottle nipples and pacifiers on a regular basis. Some breatfeeding mothers use a medicine called nystatin to clean their nipples, as mothers and babies can pass a yeast infection to one another. After breastfeeding your baby, thoroughly dry your nipples and apply lanolin lotion.

Resources

[1] http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tc/thrush-topic-overview
[2] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/oral-thrush/DS00408
[3] The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants by Andrew Chevallier; pg 314