Jump to section

Oral thrush treatment

Approved by our Clinical team | Apr 8, 2020

How to treat oral thrush

expand_more

The treatment for oral thrush depends completely on the severity of the infection and what has caused it. Oral thrush medication comes in the forms of gels or liquids that are applied directly into your mouth; these can be applied several times a day to treat the infection. Other oral thrush medication is available in capsule or tablets form; these contain antifungals which can help to rebalance the levels of bacteria inside your body.

Your GP will be able to prescribe antifungal medicines and your pharmacist in your local high street store can also advise on over the counter thrush treatments might be suitable for you.

Is there anything I can do to help the thrush in my mouth?

expand_more

There are certain precautions you can take to reduce your risk of developing oral thrush in the future, such as regularly changing your toothbrush, not smoking and wearing properly fitting dentures. There are also things you can do while you have mouth thrush which can help to ease symptoms and sop the infection from getting worse.

While you have oral thrush you can also:

Use a soft bristled toothbrush when brushing your teeth
Use a new toothbrush everyday while the infection is present
Avoid using mouthwashes and sprays

Can oral thrush go away on its own?

expand_more

If left untreated it is likely that the thrush infection will persist, and it can spread to other parts of the body. Your GP or Pharmacists will be able to advise on treatments as well as other precautions you can take to stop you developing the infection in the future.

Can you catch oral thrush from someone?

expand_more

Developing oral thrush depends upon your immune system and other factors; however Oral thrush is not contagious in adults.

What causes oral thrush?

expand_more

Oral thrush is caused by yeast bacteria in the body that grow out of control. Find out more about the cause of thrush here.

Who can get thrush in their mouth?

expand_more

Anyone can develop oral thrush, however if you have a weakened immune system you are more at risk of having the infection, for example babies and the elderly.