Treatment for thrush can vary depending on a few factors such as your general state of health, your age and the cause of the thrush infection. The most important aspect of treating thrush is maintaining comfort and preventing the spread of the infection down the esophagus while normal flora is restored to the mouth.
Natural Remedies for Thrush Prevention
The best treatment is a good prevention plan. This is especially important if you are at risk for thrush. Those at risk include infants, people who take certain medications or have some medical conditions. You can help minimize your chances of getting thrush by practicing prevention.
Some good methods of prevention of thrush include:
- Practice good oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly. Especially if you wear dentures or have diabetes. Brush and floss as instructed by your dentist and be sure to cleanse your dentures daily as ordered.
- If you take prescription medications such as an inhaler on a routine basis you should brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with mouthwash after each use.
- If you have diabetes or even if you don’t have diabetes, try limiting the amount of sugar you consume and the amount of foods that contain yeast in them.
- Take the entire amount of any prescribed antibiotics to prevent thrush. You can also take acidophilus when you are taking antibiotics if you are prone to thrush or yeast infections.
Natural Remedies for Thrush Discomfort
If you do develop thrush it can be uncomfortable. Salt water rinses using about ½ teaspoon of salt per cup of warm water can help. It is important that you only swish this solution around in your mouth and then spit it out, do not swallow it. You will need to brush your teeth at least twice a day, use a very soft toothbrush and a new brush as often as you can; thrush can get into your toothbrush and you could be re-infecting yourself with each brush. If possible, buy some inexpensive soft brushes and dispose of them after each brushing. During an episode of thrush avoid using breath sprays or mouthwash because they can alter the flora of the mouth.
Natural Remedies for Thrush Treatment
Thrush will usually go away within a week or so in infants. Sterilize pacifiers and toys that may be put in the mouth to prevent re-infection. If it does not clear up in a week or so speak to your child’s pediatrician.
In healthy adults and children the symptoms of thrush can usually be managed with yogurt or by taking acidophilus capsules to help restore the normal flora of the mouth. Once normal flora is restored the thrush will usually resolve.
Some other treatments to help restore normal pH levels in the oral mucosa include drinking raw apple cider vinegar – about 2 teaspoons in water 2 to 3 times each day. Fresh or unsweetened cranberries or their juice have natural antibacterial properties and have been used to treat thrush.
The most popular and well known treatment for thrush and yeast infections is the consumption of yogurt. The label must indicate that it has live and active cultures for this to work. Use the plain yogurt, avoiding the ones with fruit.
If you have a weak immune system and develop thrush you should check with your doctor before using any home remedy for treating the infection.
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