Home Remedies For Oral Thrush: Procedure, Recovery, Risk & Complication

Oral thrush is a kind of yeast infection that tends to develop inside the mouth and on your tongue. The symptoms include a feeling of soreness, redness, having difficulty in swallowing and failing to get the taste.

The repeated occurrence of oral thrush is an indication of immune deficiency. Some simple home remedies can help to control the infection:

1. Salt:

   It is considered to be the best option for treating oral thrush. It not only relieves you from the symptoms but also manages to create a difficult environment for the fungus. Take half a spoon of salt and mix it in lukewarm water.

   Use this solution to gargle twice or thrice a day regularly. You can also sprinkle a bit of salt on your tongue and rub it with your finger, and rinse it with water afterwards.

2. Yoghurt:

   It is another remedy for treating oral thrush. However, you need the unsweetened and plain yoghurt for this purpose. You can have 2 to 3 cups of yoghurt regularly for a few weeks or rub some of it inside your mouth and tongue. Wash it off with warm water after 10-12 minutes.

3. Apple cider vinegar:

   It comprises enzymes that help to boost the immune system, which eventually fights against the infection. Add a small amount of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt in a cup of warm water. Rinse your mouth with this solution many times a day.

4. Tea tree oil:

   It contains certain antifungal properties that can effectively control the overgrowth of the yeast that causes the infection. Add 4 drops of the tea tree oil in a cup of warm water and gargle with the solution twice a day.

5. Cinnamon:

   With its powerful antifungal and antiparasitic properties, is another effective remedy for treating oral thrush. Drink cinnamon tea twice a day regularly.

6. Garlic:

   The antifungal properties present in garlic can help in reducing your oral thrush and boost your immunity. Chew 2 or 3 garlic cloves regularly.

7. Aloe vera:

   Aloe vera possesses an antifungal property that helps to inhibit fungi growth. You can directly take aloe vera in the form of juice.

8. Baking soda:

   Baking soda inhibits the growth of yeast which is a major cause of oral thrush. To remove the oral thrush you can swab your tongue with a mixture of baking soda and water.

9. Coconut Oil pulling:

   Coconut oil possesses antibacterial properties that help to kill the bacterial strain on the tongue. You can swab your tongue with the coconut oil pulling.

10. Cranberry juice:

    Cranberry juice has acidic properties which create an acidic environment in the mouth that is not suitable for the growth of fungi.

11. Peppermint oil:

    Peppermint oil possesses antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Because if it's an antifungal property it inhibits the growth of fungi responsible for causing oral thrush which is Candida Albicans.

12. Juices of orange, pineapple and lemon-orange:

    pineapple and lemon contain citric acid which creates an acidic environment in the mouth and inhibits the growth of fungi.

Summary: Oral thrush can be reduced with the help of aloe vera, baking soda, coconut oil, cranberry juice, peppermint oil, garlic, cinnamon, tea tree oil, Apple cider vinegar, yoghurt, salt, Juices of orange, pineapple and lemon.

The possible side effects of these natural home remedies for oral thrush can be:

Yoghurt contains bacteria that can cause illness in people who have a weak immune system. For example, for people diagnosed with HIVor those who have recently undergone daily plant; having yoghurt daily may be harmful.

If you are using tea tree oil for treating your oral thrush, ensure that you only gargle with it and not ingest it, as there can be possible side effects.

It is not recommended for pregnant women to have cinnamon. Also, excessive amounts of it can cause problems in people who have a bad liver condition. If you are under medication for diabetes, blood-thinning or heart problems, there is a possibility that cinnamon can interact with them.

Consuming raw garlic in large amounts can cause nausea, vomiting, gas, diarrhoea, body odour and bad breath.

Summary: Despite being effective, certain home remedies have some side effects which vary from person to person, so choose your home remedy only if you are not allergic or sensitive to the particular substance. Do not use any home remedies in excess as it may be harmful to health.

The post remedy guidelines include:

• Rinse your mouth thoroughly, especially after meals.
• Ensure that you brush your teeth and floss at least twice a day.
• Consider having foods that can be swallowed without much difficulty.
• If you wear dentures, make sure that they are cleaned regularly.
• Limit the intake of foods that contain sugar and yeast, as it can encourage the growth of fungus that causes oral thrush.
• Try cold drinking liquids, like iced tea or water.
• Quit smoking.

How long does it take to recover?

Normally, an oral thrush last for 2 weeks. In some cases, it may last for several weeks. Home remedies are generally quite effective in treating oral thrush. However, if you notice no sign of improvement after practicing the home remedies, you may have to seek medical assistance and consult a doctor.

The remedies can cure your oral thrush completely also helps to get rid of oral thrush if there are no complications involved. After that, if you take proper care that involves proper cleaning of your teeth as well as your mouth, intake of fermented foods, and making your immune system strong; you will be able to prevent oral thrush permanently.

The home remedies are simple and effective, and you do not require any expertise or training to carry them out. The ingredients are easily available in the market. In case you have to consume something regularly, you can consult your doctor, especially if you have a medical condition.