Thrush in the mouth, also known as oral candidiasis or oral thrush, is commonly treated with antifungal drugs. Mild cases can sometimes resolve on their own or benefit from home remedies that help neutralize or inhibit the growth of a yeast known as Candida albicans.
These at-home treatments include turmeric, saltwater rinses, apple cider vinegar, and probiotic foods and supplements.
This article describes 11 home remedies that may help control or clear thrush in the mouth. It also offers tips on how to prevent oral candidiasis and when it is time to seek treatment from a healthcare provider.
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Salt Water
Research has shown that salt water is an effective tool for oral hygiene as it creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria and reduces the risk of plaque buildup.
Whether the same holds true for fungi like Candida albicans (the most common cause of oral thrush) remains unclear. Older studies have shown that C. albicans is salt-tolerant and may be more resistant to saltwater treatment.
Even so, rinsing your mouth with salt water can be extremely beneficial for oral health. To make a saltwater mouth rinse dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water. Swish the solution around your mouth for 15 to 20 seconds and spit it out.
Baking Soda
Some research suggests that baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, may act as a disinfectant against Candida. A 2017 study in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery reported that people who used a 3% baking soda mouth rinse daily following oral surgery were 13% less likely to get oral thrush than those who were left untreated.
To use baking soda as a home remedy for thrush, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of warm water and swish the solution around your mouth for 15 to 20 seconds.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, which contains maleic acid, has proven antifungal properties. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Prosthodontics reported that a 4% maleic acid solution was more effective in killing C. albicans in the test tube than the antifungal drug Mycostatin (nystatin). Whether the same is true in humans is unknown.
To prepare a mouth rinse, choose an apple cider vinegar brand that is raw and unfiltered. The solution can be made by diluting 1 teaspoon of vinegar with one cup of water. Rinse for 10 to 20 seconds.
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Treat Yeast Infections?
Probiotics
Probiotics introduce "good" bacteria into the body to help control "bad" bacteria and prevent the overgrowth of yeast. Though probiotic cultures may not kill off excess yeast, they may limit their growth and restore the natural balance of microorganisms in the mouth.
Lactobacillus probiotics are especially good at this.
Probiotics can be found in many foods, including:
- Sauerkraut
- Miso
- Tempeh
- Kimchi
- Yogurt
- Kombucha
Probiotics also come in supplement form. Most are taken by mouth once daily.
Helpful Tip
Look for yogurts that contain live cultures and are low in sugar. Sugar can fuel the growth of C. albicans and should be avoided during an active yeast infection.
What Is Probiotic Acidophilus?
Turmeric
Turmeric is a golden spice that contains an anti-inflammatory chemical called curcumin which may help to combat oral thrush.
Lab studies suggest that curcumin may help control C. albicans overgrowth. Other studies contend that curcumin can enhance the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT), an alternative light-based treatment of oral fungal infections.
Turmeric is available as a spice and a supplement. To make a turmeric mouthwash, gently simmer two teaspoons of turmeric spice in one cup of water for three to five minutes. Allow to cool before use, and brush your teeth afterward.
Lemons
Lemon juice, which contains a high concentration of citric acid, has antifungal properties. But it may be the essential oils from the skin of the lemon that is most beneficial.
According to a lab and animal study conducted in 2022, the essential oil of lemon peels was able to inhibit the growth of C. albicans without causing toxicity. Essential oil concentrations of 1.56% were found to be the most effective.
To make a lemon essential oil mouthwash, add 10 to 20 drops of the essential oil to one cup of water. Rinse your mouth for 10 to 20 seconds and spit out. Do not swallow.
Vitamin C
Increasing your intake of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) may help boost your immune system and help clear oral thrush faster. It does so by stimulating the production of white blood cells that fight all types of infection.
While the principle seems sound, there is little research to suggest how much vitamin C is needed and how effective it would be in controlling C. albicans. Studies involving atopical vitamin C ointment for vagin*l yeast infections (also caused by C. albicans) showed that it had no effect on the actual infection but helped prevent reinfection. More research is needed.
Vitamin C supplements are widely available at grocery stores, pharmacies, and natural health stores. Avoid taking more than the dosage on the product label as high doses can lead to heartburn and diarrhea.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass, a lemony-scented plant in the grass family, also appears to have antifungal properties that may be effective against oral thrush. A 2022 lab study found that lemongrass essential oil helped boost the effectiveness of nystatin against 78% of Candida strains, including C. albicans.
Another study concluded that lemongrass oil is effective at both preventing and eliminating C. albicans on dental devices—a common source of oral thrush infections.
To use lemongrass as a home remedy for thrush, steep fresh lemongrass in hot water for five minutes to make tea or mouthwash. Fresh lemongrass can be found in gourmet groceries and Asian food markets.
Benefits of Oil Pulling
Clove Oil
Clove oil has powerful antifungal properties that may effectively treat and prevent oral thrush. Cloves contain eugenol, a compound that has been shown to eliminate C. albicans and prevent it from returning.
A 2023 study found adding clove oil to the antifungal medication clotrimazole improved the drug's effectiveness against oral candidiasis.
Even so, clove oil should be used with caution as it can cause mouth irritation and contact dermatitis. For mouthwash, limit yourself to 10 drops of clove oil per 1 cup of water. Anything more can be extremely bitter.
Never use clove oil in children as even small amounts have been reported to cause severe side effects such as seizures and liver injury.
Oil of Oregano
Oil of oregano is also used as a home remedy for oral thrush. In lab studies, the oil has proven effective against several strains of Candida. Thymol, the compound that gives certain herbs like oregano their "grassy" flavor, is thought to be responsible for the antifungal effects.
Other lab studies found that the oil of oregano was as effective as the antifungal drug Diflucan (fluconazole) in controlling a variety of Candida strains. Further research is needed to see if the same results can be replicated in humans.
As with lemon essential oil, oil of oregano needs to be diluted at a ratio of 10 to 20 drops per cup of water. The oil of wild oregano (Origanum vulgare) is thought to be the most effective.
Other Essential Oils
Essential oils are used in a variety of ways to improve health and wellness. Research suggests several essential oils have antifungal properties that may be effective against C. albicans, including:
- Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
- Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
- Mint (Mentha × piperita)
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Sage (Salvia officinalis)
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Still, more research is needed to determine their efficacy and safety in treating conditions such as oral thrush.
In addition to making mouthwashes, you can add 1 to 2 drops of these essential oils to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, swishing it around your mouth for a couple of minutes before spitting it out. Wait a few minutes before brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth with water.
How to Prevent Oral Thrush
Practicing good oral hygiene can help prevent thrush. This includes:
- Rinsing your mouth after meals
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing regularly
- Visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups, even if you wear dentures.
Oral thrush is also common when using certain inhalers for asthma or COPD. To reduce the risk, use a spacer attachment that delivers the drugs deep into the airways rather than dispersing them in the mouth. Brush your teeth afterward.
People who are immunocompromised are also at risk of oral thrush and need to stay healthy to prevent infection. People with HIV should be treated with antiretroviral drugs that suppress the virus and help build and maintain a stronger immune system.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Although oral thrush can often be managed at home, it should ultimately be seen by a healthcare provider as it is unusual for an otherwise healthy person to get it.
To this end, it's important to recognize the signs and symptoms of oral thrush so you can act. These include:
- White patches in the mouth that can be scraped off, leaving behind red areas that may bleed
- A painful, burning sensation in the mouth
- Redness inside the mouth and throat
- A loss of taste or unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Cracks at the corners of the mouth. (angular cheilitis)
Sudden, severe oral candidiasis may be a red flag for a more serious condition, including HIV. If left untreated, the fungus may spread to the esophagus (feeding tube) and even disseminate (spread) throughout the body.
Seek immediate medical care if you develop symptoms of esophageal candidiasis, including:
- Thick, white patches that extend into the throat
- Sore throat (pharyngitis)
- Pain when swallowing (odynophagia)
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetitive
- Chest pain
Summary
Home remedies for oral thrush (oral candidiasis) include probiotics, vitamin C, or mouth rinses made with salt water, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, lemon essential oil, lemongrass, oil of oregano, clove oil, and other essential oils. Good oral hygiene is also essential.
Treatment for Oral Thrush in Adults and Children
Frequently Asked Questions
Can thrush clear up on its own?
It often does. But it's not a good idea to wait very long to see if it will. Not only will you still have unpleasant symptoms, but it's also possible for the infection to spread.
Learn MoreWhy You Should Treat a Yeast Infection
Is Listerine good for thrush?
Listerine may kill the fungus that causes thrush. However, it contains alcohol, which can increase the burning sensation caused by the infection. Daily use of an antiseptic mouthwash may help prevent thrush, however.
Learn MoreWhich Mouthwash Works Best?
Who gets oral thrush?
Oral thrush is common in babies. People with certain health conditions (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, Sjögren's syndrome, cancer) may also be more prone to it. Smoking, wearing dentures, and taking certain medications (like corticosteroids) increase the risk as well.
