What are the treatment options for oral thrush?

Oral thrush can be treated with a homemade mouthwash, or, in more serious cases, a prescription mouthwash or lozenge. Oral thrush is a yeast infection that affects the mucus membrane lining of your mouth and tongue. It is most common in people:

• who have diabetes or HIV/AIDS
• who are taking steroid medications, chemotherapy, cancer-suppressing drugs, or high doses of antibiotics (for a long period of time)
• who are very old or very young, or who are in poor health
• who have poorly fitting dentures

In infants, the best approach is to not treat thrush at all, because it usually goes away in a couple of days. If you have any concerns, call your pediatrician. For people with diabetes, controlling blood sugar more effectively can help control thrush outbreaks. Eating yogurt or over-the-counter acidophilus capsules may help clear up thrush, especially if it is caused by antibiotic use. Home treatment includes using a soft toothbrush and rinsing your mouth with a diluted 3% hydrogen peroxide solution several times a day. If the condition persists or is severe, or if it is a result of a weakened immune system, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal mouthwash (nystatin) or lozenges (clotrimazole) to suck on. If these don't work, stronger medications may be prescribed.