Oral thrush can be uncomfortable, causing white patches and pain, especially in babies; discover simple treatments, home remedies with salt, yogurt, and tips to relieve symptoms for both infants and adults.
Ever felt that weird, uncomfortable sensation in your mouth, maybe noticed some white patches? It could be oral thrush. Isn’t it annoying how common it is, especially for babies? And the pain, oh the pain! Makes eating and drinking a real chore. But what are the real treatment options? And can we actually tackle this at home?
Let’s dive deeper into this topic and explore what can be done about oral thrush.
- Treatment of Oral Thrush in Nursing Infants
- How Is Oral Thrush Treated in Children and Adults?
- Treating Oral Thrush at Home
- Other Tips to Help Treat Oral Thrush
Treatment of Oral Thrush in Nursing Infants
It’s super common for babies to get oral thrush, especially if they’re nursing. It can be a real pain for everyone involved. So, what can you do if your little one has it? Here are a few things to try:
- Sterilize pacifiers and bottle nipples like, seriously often and thoroughly.
- Clean your baby’s mouth with a soft, damp washcloth after feedings. Seriously a simple trick.
- If you’re breastfeeding, make sure to keep your nipples super clean. After each feeding try applying some lanolin cream.
- Consult your doctor if the problem persists or if there are any concerns.
How Is Oral Thrush Treated in Children and Adults?
Here are some tips that can help children and adults deal with oral thrush:
- Drink cold liquids or suck on popsicles.
- Eat easy-to-swallow foods, like custard.
- If the pain of oral thrush makes drinking difficult, try using a straw.
- Rinse your mouth several times a day with salt water, aim for a mild solution of about 5 grams of salt in 250 ml of water.
Treating Oral Thrush at Home
We’re gonna share some at-home remedies that can help you treat oral thrush. Remember, these tips shouldn’t replace professional medical advice, especially for babies:
1. Salt
Salt is one of the best remedies for treating oral thrush. It creates a not-so-friendly environment for the fungus and helps relieve thrush symptoms quickly.
- Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and use it to gargle several times a day.
- Put a tiny bit of salt on your finger and gently rub it on the affected areas in your mouth and on your tongue. Leave it for a minute or two, then rinse with water. Do this twice a day.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt contains probiotics that help treat thrush and improve digestion. To treat oral thrush, use unsweetened yogurt:
- Eat a couple to three cups of yogurt daily for a week.
- You can also try cleaning your mouth and tongue with yogurt twice a day. Leave it for 5-10 minutes then rinse with water.
3. Coconut oil
Coconut oil helps fight fungus and relieve associated symptoms. To use it for oral thrush:
- Apply a thin layer of extra virgin coconut oil to the affected areas in your mouth and on your tongue several times a day for about a week.
- You can also swish a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth every morning, then rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth.
4. Cinnamon
Cinnamon’s antifungal properties make it capable of fighting and getting rid of fungus easily:
- Drink a cup or two of cinnamon tea daily, you can add some fresh lemon juice.
- Mix a few drops of cinnamon oil with a teaspoon of olive oil and use this mixture to gently clean the mouth and leave it for about 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off.
Women who are pregnant should avoid using cinnamon.
5. Garlic
Helps kill the fungi present in the mouth and boost the immune system.
- Place some garlic oil on the affected areas in the mouth.
- You can also chew on a clove of garlic to treat oral thrush, but after consulting your doctor.
Other Tips to Help Treat Oral Thrush
Here are some helpful tips to help treat oral thrush:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash.
- Don’t forget to clean your tongue daily.
- Replace your toothbrush regularly.
- Limit the amount of sugary foods you eat daily.
- Avoid smoking.
- Don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly.
Testimonials
My baby had a really bad case of thrush, and it was awful seeing them in so much pain. The doctor prescribed something, but I also started using some of the home remedies, like cleaning their mouth gently after feeding. It seemed to help alongside the medication, and they were back to their happy selves in no time! It’s such a relief when they’re not hurting anymore.
I got thrush after a course of antibiotics and, wow, it was uncomfortable! The constant irritation made it hard to concentrate, and I was always conscious of it. I tried the yogurt trick and the salt water rinses, and honestly, they made a noticeable difference. It wasn’t a quick fix, but it definitely helped ease the symptoms until the prescription kicked in. Grateful for those simple remedies!
Myth & Facts
Myth: Oral thrush only affects babies.
Fact: While common in infants, oral thrush can affect anyone, especially those with weakened immune systems or who take certain medications.
Myth: Oral thrush is not contagious.
Fact: It can be transmitted, especially from a nursing mother to her baby, so good hygiene is important.
So, yeah, dealing with oral thrush can be a real drag, but hopefully, now we’ve got a few more tools in our arsenal. Um, remembering those simple home remedies, like salt water rinses and yogurt, can really make a difference. And, of course, if things get too persistent, you know, it’s always a good idea to check in with the doctor. Here’s to healthier, happier mouths!
