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Oral thrush is an overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans in the lining of the mouth. Bacteria lives in the mouth an remains harmless in normal amounts, but it when accumulates, it can spread and cause symptoms of oral thrush. (1) Conventional oral thrush treatment may involve anti-fungal medications. Oral thrush home remedies can help manage painful oral thrush symptoms and kill the bacteria that causes the condition.

Oral Thrush Causes

  • A weakened immune system
  • Medications
  • Cancer treatments (2)
  • Diabetes
  • Dentures (3)

Oral Thrush Symptoms

  • Creamy, white lesions in the mouth – may be on the tongue, roof of the mouth or on the inner cheeks
  • Lesions may be painful or start to bleed when agitated by the teeth, food or a toothbrush
  • Oral inflammation
  • Pain
  • Loss of taste
  • Erosion of tooth enamel
  • Oral mucus

oral thrush tongue

Oral Thrush Treatment

1. Cinnamon

The antibacterial properties of cinnamon make it a natural oral thrush treatment. Studies have shown that people who add cinnamon to their diets are less likely to develop candida overgrowth than those who don’t. Add fresh cinnamon to your dishes to help keep harmful bacteria at bay. (4)

2. Unsweetened Cranberry Juice

Oral thrush home remedies include unsweetened cranberry juice. Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice can help create an acidic environment in the body, where candida is unable to thrive. Drink one cup of juice per day to help rid the body of oral thrush. (5)

oral thrush cranberry juice

3. Fermented Vegetables

Fermented vegetables work as an oral thrush treatment by strengthening the immune system and filling the body with good bacteria. Consuming fermented vegetables and other probiotics on a regular basis can help restore the balance of bacteria in body and mouth. Try kimchi, pickles and sauerkraut.

4. Coconut Oil

Using coconut oil for oral thrush can help kill harmful bacteria. Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that are known to kill off candida through ingestion and topical application. A 2007 study found that coconut oil was active against species of candida at 100% concentration, compared to a common anti-fungal medicine. Swish 1-2 tablespoons in your mouth and between your teeth for 10-20 minutes as an oral thrush treatment. Spit out the oil in the trash, rinse your mouth with warm water then brush your teeth. (6)

oral thrush coconut oil

5. Natural Antibiotics

  • Raw Garlic: Raw garlic contains allicin, a powerful anti-fungal, antibiotic and antiviral. Consume 1 clove a day to help fight infections.
  • Oil of Oregano: Oregano oil is a powerful antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory. Take 500 milligrams or 5 drops a day for no more than 10 days at a time.
  • Collodial Silver: Collodial silver is an alkaline and antiviral agent that supports and strengthens the immune system. Take 1-2 tablespoons a day to help fight infections. (7)

6. Milk Thistle

Oral thrush home remedies include milk thistle. Milk thistle works to cleanse the liver from toxins such as antibiotics, prescription medications and birth control pills. It also helps remove toxins from heavy metals, environmental pollution, chemotherapy and radiation, all of which weaken the immune system and make the body more susceptible to infection. (8)

oral thrush milk thistle

7. Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays a key role in keeping the immune system healthy and strong. Take 1,000 milligrams of Vitamin C twice a day or add Vitamin-C rich foods to your diet to help boost immune function. Try guava, kiwi, strawberries, papaya and red and green bell peppers.

8. Caprylic Acid

Caprylic acid helps fight yeast in the body. According to a 2001 study, caprylic acid can help reduce symptoms associated with viral and fungal infections, including infections caused by candida. Its ability to penetrate the cell membranes of candida yeast cells and cause them to die off makes caprylic acid a natural remedy for oral thrush. (9)