Thrush, also called oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by an increase in the minimal and physiological quantities of a fungus that lives in human mucous membranes, candida albicans. Although its presence in the human body is normal, in high quantities it can become harmful. Thrush is fairly easy to recognize because it causes yellowish-white plaques located on the sides and base of the tongue and on the inside of the cheeks, redness and pain. If you suspect that you are infected, see your doctor to get you to prescribe adequate treatment so it doesn't spread. In addition to medical treatment, you can intervene by consuming yogurt or taking lactobacillus acidophilus in supplement form.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Recognize the Symptoms
Step 1. Notice if there are white or yellowish plaques on the tongue and inside of the cheeks
Look inside your mouth for any white patches of varying sizes. These lesions may have a pinpoint appearance or present as large, whitish patches spread over the tongue or cheeks. In addition, they may appear bulky and milky (a stale milk appearance). If you see them, they could indicate oral candidiasis.
Thrush can spread to the palate, tonsils, gums, and back of the throat, so plaques may also be located in these areas
Advise:
if removed, the lesions can even bleed.
Step 2. Notice if you feel a rough feeling in your mouth
Thrush causes dry mouth, so you may feel a rough sensation on your tongue and cheeks. It's like having cotton balls in your mouth. Consider if your tongue and cheeks are dry and irritated because, in this case, they could be due to oral candidiasis.
Nothing probably alleviates this dryness. For example, you might drink a lot of water, but still feel your mouth dry
Step 3. Notice if there are cuts and redness in the corners of the mouth
Since thrush dries the skin, including the lips, it can cause sores resulting in bleeding in the corners of the mouth. The lips can also be affected by these lesions. Check them to see if you have angular cheilitis.
Depending on how dry they are, you may notice lesions on other areas of the lips as well
Step 4. Consider if you feel redness, burning or pain in your mouth
Thrush can cause pain in the mouth, especially if it is not treated promptly. Look at the tongue, cheeks and gums to see if they are red. Also, try to figure out if they hurt or burn. These symptoms could indicate oral candidiasis.
- Pain and irritation may be hindering swallowing. You may also notice that these two symptoms get worse when you eat and drink.
- If you wear dentures, the redness and pain may be located under the prosthesis.
Step 5. Notice any changes in your sense of taste
In some cases, thrush can become so aggressive that it prevents you from recognizing the flavors of foods. The plaques on the tongue manage to inhibit the taste buds. Consider if foods taste different or if you can't tell them apart anymore. It could be a sign of oral candidiasis infection.
- You may find that you have no appetite because everything you eat is bland.
- Taste your favorite foods to see if they taste different than usual.
Step 6. See your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing
In severe cases, the lesions can spread to the throat, hindering swallowing. It usually happens when you have a weakened immune system. In this case, do not hesitate to go to the doctor or the emergency room for treatment.
You may feel like food gets stuck in your throat every time you swallow
Step 7. Get medical treatment immediately if you have a fever
If the infection gets worse, your body temperature is likely to rise. In some cases, it means that the fungal infection has spread systemically. See your doctor or emergency room right away for proper care.
Don't worry, because you will heal. However, it is best to take action right away so that the infection does not continue to spread
Method 2 of 3: Receive Medical Diagnosis
Step 1. See your doctor if you suspect you have thrush
It is important to treat it immediately so it does not spread, so see your doctor so that he can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment. He will examine the mouth and confirm your suspicions.
Your dentist can also provide you with therapeutic indications. However, you will need to see your doctor to rule out any underlying conditions of oral candidiasis
Step 2. Have the whitish plaques examined
The doctor will observe the lesions to see if they are caused by thrush. Report your symptoms and how long they have been showing up. Based on the physical exam, your doctor will decide if you need to undergo further tests or if he can make a diagnosis.
If the lesions have spread to the pharynx, your doctor may order an oral-pharyngeal swab or endoscopic exam during which a video camera is inserted into the throat to check for lesions
Step 3. Get the throat swab
The laboratory doctor will take a sample from one or more places in the mouth. If with this maneuver the plaques begin to bleed, it means that you are suffering from oral candidiasis. Hence, the analyzes will confirm this diagnostic suspicion. Consult your doctor for the results.
In some cases, your doctor may decide not to give you a throat swab if they are sure of the diagnosis
Step 4. Undergo diagnostic tests to find the cause
If your doctor suspects that thrush is caused by a health problem, they will most likely order blood tests to check for an infection or signs of a medical condition. Undergo a blood count with a white blood cell count to determine the presence of certain diseases. Then, consult your doctor for therapy.
If you don't treat the underlying health problem, the infection is likely to come back
Method 3 of 3: Treating Thrush
Step 1. Use a tongue scraper after brushing your teeth to remove plaques
Once you've brushed your teeth in the morning, gently clean your tongue with a special scraper. This tool does not eliminate the infection, but it helps to improve the appearance of the tongue if it is covered with whitish lesions.
Good oral hygiene can help you fight the infection and heal in a few weeks
Step 2. Rinse with 15ml of coconut oil for 20 minutes every morning
Coconut oil helps kill the fungus responsible for thrush. Every morning, put a spoon in your mouth and shake it for about 20 minutes, making sure to push it between your teeth and move it around your mouth. When you're done, spit it into the trash can to avoid infecting the pipes.
This is a traditional remedy called "oil pulling"
Step 3. Avoid processed or sugary foods
Foods rich in sugars and refined carbohydrates can promote the presence of fungal pathogens that worsen oral candidiasis. Avoid candy, sugary drinks, sweet baked goods, and processed foods with added sugar.
- Natural sugars, such as those in fruit, can also promote the overgrowth of the fungus. If you have thrush, do not eat more than 1-2 fruits per day.
- If you like fruit, limit yourself to those low in sugar, such as berries and citrus fruits. Avoid the sweeter ones, such as mangoes, grapes, and pears.
Step 4. Ask your doctor if you can take a caprylic acid supplement
Caprylic acid, naturally contained in coconut oil, helps fight oral candidiasis. Ask your doctor if they can point you to a good caprylic acid supplement.
Always consult your doctor before taking supplements. Let him know if you take medications or other food supplementation substances to avoid dangerous interactions
Step 5. Opt for yogurt to balance the presence of candida albicans on a systemic level
For best results, buy live lactic acid yogurt. It can help you restore the balance of the oral and intestinal flora (and vaginal if you are a woman). Consume one serving a day to promote healing.
- A portion of yogurt is equivalent to 180 ml or a single-dose jar.
- Yogurt could also help fight a mild thrush infection. However, it is best to contact your doctor to prescribe drug therapy.
Step 6. Take a lactobacillus acidophilus supplement to balance the oral flora
Lactobacillus acidophilus is able to restore the balance of the bacterial ecosystem within the body and avoid an excessive presence of fungi. Consult your doctor to rule out contraindications to taking lactobacillus acidophilus in the form of a supplement. So, get it by following the directions.
- You can buy it at a pharmacy or on the Internet.
- Like yogurt, lactobacillus acidophilus supplement can help you recover from a mild thrush infection. However, you may want to see your doctor to make sure the infection is gone.
Step 7. Ask your doctor for an antifungal medication
You will definitely need an antifungal to treat the spread of oral thrush. Use the drug strictly following the directions. Typically, you need to take it every day for a period of 10-14 days. Your doctor may prescribe one of the following options:
- Tablets with antifungal action;
- Medicated gel;
- Antifungal rinses;
- Pills against mycosis.
Step 8. Use an antifungal cream for the nipples if your baby has contracted thrush while breastfeeding
If a nursing infant develops oral thrush, the infection passes to the nipples. This means that the so-called ping-pong effect (passage of the infection between two subjects) could be created between the mother and the child. To stop transmission, ask your doctor for an antifungal cream to apply to your nipples. Use it following the therapeutic indications.
The doctor will prescribe a mild antifungal medication for your child as well. Give it according to the instructions you received
Step 9. Treat the main health problem
You may have a condition that predisposes you to developing oral candidiasis. In this case, work with your doctor to treat it, otherwise the thrush could recur.
For example, diabetes can increase the risk of thrush. However, keep your blood sugar under control and follow your doctor's advice to limit the risk of developing another fungal infection in the mouth
Advice
- Thrush is not contagious, so don't be afraid to spread it to other people.
- You can get thrush if you wear dentures, smoke, take antibiotics or corticosteroids, or have diabetes, cancer, HIV or AIDS.
- Good oral hygiene helps prevent oral candidiasis. Brush your teeth and floss to prevent these types of infections.
