|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

Thrush Mouth Treatments

Thrush is essentially a yeast infection of the mouth cause by the Candida albicans. It is characterized by an overgrowth of this fungus along the lining of a person's mouth that commonly prompts lesions to form on the inner cheek and tongue. More often than not, you'll see this condition develop within infants and toddlers as well as the elderly or anyone who may have problems with their immune system, but no one is impervious to thrush. It can develop in almost anyone. When you or your child suffers from thrush, there are a number of different treatments available to you.

  1. Yogurt

    • Sometimes, oral thrush requires no medical treatment at all, and you may find that you'll see an improvement in your conditions by simply introducing yogurt into your diet. The active cultures within yogurt can help to restore the natural balance of bacteria in your mouth, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Acidophilus

    • When you're suffering from oral thrush, you may also see an improvement in your condition by supplementing your diet with a substance called acidophilus. Much like yogurt, this nonprescription supplement will also help restore the bacterial balance within your mouth, which can effectively treat the overgrowth of the Candida albicans fungus. Acidophilus is currently available for purchase at most health food stores.

    Antifungal Medication

    • Another common treatment for oral thrush will entail a prescription for an antifungal medication. Usually, your doctor will ask you to try treating the fungal infection with more natural methods, as would be seen with yogurt and acidophilus, before prescribing an antifungal medication. What this sort of substance will do is ultimately kill the fungus of Candida albicans.

    Antifungal Mouthwash

    • Instead of giving you a tablet to take each day, your doctor may recommend an antifungal mouthwash. This form of treatment works a lot like the tablet, except you'll swish the antifungal solution in your mouth each day to help heal the associated lesions and eventually kill the fungus growing in your mouth.

    Amphotericin B

    • When other forms of treatment fail to treat oral thrush, your doctor may deem it necessary to start you on a course of treatment that entails the use of amphotericin B. This medication is especially useful when the fungus has become somewhat resistant to other forms of medications, like antifungal tablets or mouthwashes.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles