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Oral Thrush Self-Help

Oral thrush occurs when the Candida albicans grows on the roof of the mouth, causing white, painful lesions. These lesions can bleed and make it very difficult to eat. This usually occurs in infants more than adults, but it can also be found in people who have compromised immune systems. Thrush can be difficult to control, but it is treatable.

  1. Yogurt

    • Apply yogurt directly to the inside of the mouth when you begin to feel the lesions from thrush. Yogurt can help restore the bacterial balance in the mouth by adding good bacteria. The yogurt will not harm babies who have gotten thrush, so this is an excellent home treatment for all ages. It also works fairly quickly. Continue to apply the yogurt three times a day for several days or until the lesions disappear.

    Salt-Water Rinse

    • Use a salt-water rinse in order to help dry up the lesions in the mouth. The salt water also has healing properties. Dissolve half a tsp. of salt into a cup of warm water and swish it around in your mouth. You may experience burning, but it will help speed the healing process. Use the salt-water rinse at least three times per day until all of the sores are gone.

    Cleaning

    • Brush your teeth and gums frequently to prevent the build up of bacteria in the mouth. Dentures can hold bacteria just like regular teeth, so if you wear dentures be sure to soak them in a denture solution every night. This will help to break down all of the food and other particles that have gotten on them during the course of the day.

    Garlic and Onions

    • Eat a salad that is loaded with fresh garlic and onions. Garlic and onions together can help heal oral thrush very quickly. Garlic has strong antiseptic properties that will kill the thrush in the mouth. The onions have healing properties that will heal the lesions. Choose fresh vegetables over cooked ones because the healing properties will be stronger.

    Nursing Mothers

    • Use nursing pads if you are a nursing mother. Your breasts can prevent your baby's thrush from getting better. Use disposable pads and change them frequently to prevent the growth of bacteria. Wash your bras in hot water to kill any bacteria that can be found. Use Nystatin to clean the nipples and kill any bacteria that remains on the nipple.

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