Simple Home Remedies for Oral Thrush in Adults
Oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by excess growth of Candida albicans. Thrush causes painful sores inside the mouth. It most often occurs in infants and toddlers, elderly adults or people with weakened immune systems. Antibiotics may also cause thrush. In most people, medical treatment is unnecessary, but natural remedies may help relieve symptoms.
Symptoms
Thrush causes small, creamy white sores on the inside lining of the cheeks and on the tongue. In more extreme cases, the sores extend down the throat and make eating painful. The sores may bleed when they are rubbed or scraped. The sores appear suddenly but may remain for several weeks.
Causes
A healthy body contains bacteria and fungi that perform a number of functions, such as aiding in digestion and keeping harmful bacteria in check. Sometimes, however, this natural balance is disrupted, allowing for an overgrowth of harmful organisms. Conditions such as a weakened immune system caused by disease (infection with human immunodeficiency virus, for example) or treatments (such as chemotherapy for cancer) or the use of antibiotics upset the balance of organisms in the body and permit overgrowth of Candida.
Home remedies for Oral Thrush
The thrush can be very troublesome condition but can be cured easily with home remedies and it is advised to treat thrush with alternative medicines rather than using chemicals or strong medicines.
· To avoid thrush, you must practice oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth twice in a day and floss your mouth. Replace your toothbrush frequently as this infection is contagious.
· Salt water solution is very simple home remedy for oral thrush. Dissolve few grams of normal salt in a cup of warm water and gargle. Spit it out the content and follow this process 3-4 times in a day.
· Garlic and onion contain natural anti-fungal properties. Eating garlic or onion helps in killing the Candida spread in your mouth. Regular consumption of garlic prevents yeast infection.
· Reduce the consumption of sugar as yeast organism survives on sugar. If you have oral thrush, you must stop consumption of sugary items.
· Coconut oil contains Caprylic acid which fights Candida naturally. You can take a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth, swish around and then spit it out to prevent oral thrush.
· You can mix baking soda in a cup of warm water and then use a neat cotton ball to wipe inside of mouth and tongue to prevent oral thrush.
· Eating sugar free yogurt is an excellent remedy to prevent oral thrush.
· If you wear dentures and have thrush, cleaning your mouth and dentures each night is a must. Make sure to soak your dentures in a cleaner overnight. Rinse them well after removing from the solution and before placing back into your mouth.
Sources:
ehow.com
personal-fitness.org
grandmashomeremedies.com
Other links:
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