How To Get Rid Of Thrush

Treating thrush generally involves a combination of antifungal medications and various home remedies to help relieve symptoms and speed up recovery[3].[5]

Antifungal Medications

  • For oral thrush, doctors commonly recommend topical antifungal agents such as nystatin suspension or clotrimazole lozenges for mild cases. You use these directly in the mouth as instructed by your healthcare provider[3].[5]
  • For more severe infections, oral antifungals such as fluconazole may be prescribed[3].[5]
  • With vaginal thrush, over-the-counter antifungal creams or suppositories (pessaries) are commonly used. A single-dose oral tablet (fluconazole 150 mg) is also an effective option for many people (not recommended during pregnancy unless approved by your doctor)[7].

Home Remedies and Symptom Relief

  • Saltwater rinse: Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water and swish in your mouth; spit out after use[2].[4].
  • Baking soda rinse: Mix 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in warm water for a gentle mouth rinse[2].[4] or apply to your baby’s mouth using a q-tip for infant thrush[6].
  • Coconut oil pulling: Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 15–20 minutes and spit out. This has antifungal properties and can help with oral thrush[2].[6].
  • Apple cider vinegar: Dilute 1 teaspoon in a cup of water, swish inside your mouth, and spit out. Never use undiluted, as it can burn[2].
  • Turmeric: Mix 1/2 teaspoon turmeric paste with water or milk, add a dash of black pepper, heat and swish the mixture in your mouth as you drink. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is believed to have antifungal effects[1].[2].[4].
  • Clove oil: Steep 1 teaspoon of ground cloves in boiling water for 5 minutes, strain, swish the liquid in your mouth, and spit out. Clove oil’s eugenol compound may help, but more research is needed. Use cautiously as it may cause numbing or allergic reactions[1].[2].
  • Lemon juice: Mix the juice of half a lemon in water to use as a gentle antifungal rinse[2].[4].
  • Oral hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene to avoid reinfection. Brush and floss regularly, replace toothbrushes frequently, and disinfect removable dental appliances[2].
  • Probiotics and yogurt: Consuming unsweetened yogurt or probiotic supplements may restore balance in the mouth and digestive tract, potentially limiting Candida overgrowth[4].[6].

For infants: Apply baking soda or coconut oil to the infant’s mouth with a cotton swab, sterilize bottles/pacifiers daily, and introduce probiotic-rich foods if the infant eats solids[6].

For vaginal thrush: Vaginal antifungal creams, suppositories, or oral fluconazole are standard; wear loose cotton underwear, avoid irritants (like perfumed soaps and sanitary products), and wipe front-to-back after using the toilet to help prevent recurrence[7].

Important: Always consult a healthcare provider for persistent, severe, or recurrent thrush, and before trying alternative remedies, especially if you are immunocompromised, pregnant, or treating an infant[3].[7].

References

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