Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection of the mouth and throat. It can manifest as white or yellowish patches on the tongue and inside the cheeks, gums, or lips. For so many years, oral thrush was considered a minor problem that didn’t need to be treated. Instead, people were told it would go away on its own after a while, or they have prescribed an anti-fungal medication. But research has shown that these treatments don’t work very well in the long run and can even worsen the symptoms.
Oral thrush can also cause a sore throat that lingers for several days. The infection’s severity varies from person to person, but it’s usually not serious. Most people don’t even realize they have oral thrush until their dentist or doctor points it out during a routine exam.
Brushing More Frequently
Oral hygiene is the first thing to consider when treating oral thrush. Most people with oral thrush infections will be prescribed an anti-fungal medication by their doctor. The drug can help clear the disease, but it does little to address the underlying cause of oral thrush. In addition, a compromised immune system frequently causes oral thrush, so in many cases, prescribing an anti-fungal medication alone will not work unless the patient is given other treatments that boost their immune system.
For example, one of the most important things you can do to treat oral thrush is to brush your teeth three times a day. Brushing the teeth helps cleanse bacteria or food debris away from plaque and can reduce the chances of getting a sore throat or having other symptoms of oral thrush. In addition, brushing the teeth three times a day using an antimicrobial mouthwash can help prevent the spread of the infection. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is advisable. You should also brush your tongue and gums, which can play an essential role in the development of thrush. Be sure to use an anti-fungal toothpaste, such as chlorhexidine gluconate or hydrogen peroxide.
Meanwhile, if you develop oral thrush after brushing your teeth, you should consider rinsing your mouth with water. This can help to remove any remaining toothpaste and prevent it from spreading further into their mouth. If you believe you have oral thrush and have been prescribed an anti-fungal medication but are still not feeling better after a few days of treatment, you should talk to a doctor about further treatments.
In some cases, mainly when there are complications like dementia or diabetes, a doctor may have to prescribe more than just anti-fungal medications to treat oral thrush.
