 Oral thrush in adults – how to get rid of it

Oral thrush (candidiasis) is a fungal infection in your mouth, causing white spots and pain. Find out what can help.

What are the symptoms? 

What causes oral thrush?

When to see a doctor and getting a diagnosis

Treatments for oral thrush

Preventing oral thrush

Oral thrush is a fungal infection that affects your mouth, which can lead to white patches, redness, and pain. Caused by a yeast called Candida, it’s also known as oral ‘candidiasis’ or ‘candidosis’. It isn’t usually contagious, and needs treatment with antifungal medication to clear it up.

When you hear the word ‘thrush’, you might think of the common [vaginal thrush](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/thrush). But thrush can also affect your mouth and throat (as well as other parts of your body).

Thrush is caused by yeast called Candida – a type of fungus – that naturally exists in your mouth. Oral thrush happens when too much Candida grows in your mouth, leading to symptoms such as white spots, redness, and pain.

This happens most often in babies, children, and older people, but some medications and health conditions can also make oral thrush more likely. 

While adult thrush is not contagious, it’s possible for babies to pass on the infection through breastfeeding, causing nipple thrush in their mothers.

Read on to learn the symptoms and find out how to deal with it. 


## What are the symptoms? 
Oral thrush is usually harmless, but it can cause painful and irritating symptoms that can include: 

- white, creamy patches (plaques) or spots – on your tongue, cheeks, roof of your mouth, gums, or tonsils. They may be raised, look like cottage cheese, and bleed slightly if scraped or wiped off
- redness and soreness in your mouth and throat – sometimes with a burning sensation, which can make eating or swallowing difficult
- taste changes – such as loss of taste or a nasty taste in your mouth
- cracks at the corners of your  mouth – often with redness or irritation
- pain or irritation under dentures – if you wear them. 

If you have a bad case of oral thrush and it’s left untreated, in rare cases the infection could spread to other areas of your body, so it’s important to get medical care. 


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## What causes oral thrush?

To keep you healthy, your immune system maintains a balance of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ microbes. When the balance is right, small amounts of Candida yeast live on your skin and body – including in your mouth – without causing harm.

But if something disrupts this balance, Candida can start to grow faster than normal, which can lead to a fungal infection such as oral thrush.

### Who does it affect?

Several things can increase your risk of Candida growing out of control and causing oral thrush. These include:

- __having a weak immune system__ – this is why oral thrush is more common in babies, children, and older people
- __having a condition__ (or taking medication) that lowers your immunity – including [HIV](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/hiv), [cancer](https://www.livehealthily.com/self-care/cancer) and its treatments such as [chemotherapy](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/treatments/chemotherapy) and [radiotherapy](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/treatments/radiotherapy), and [underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/thyroid-under-active)
- __taking antibiotics – especially if they’re taken for a long time or at high doses
- __taking steroids__ – such as [steroid pills](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/drugs/steroid-tablets), or a [steroid inhaler](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/drugs/steroid-inhalers) to treat [asthma](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/asthma)
- __having [diabetes](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/diabetes) – if it’s not well controlled, diabetes cause high levels of sugar in your spit (saliva), which feeds the growth of Candida
- __smoking__
- __wearing false teeth__ ([dentures](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/treatments/dentures)) – especially if they don't fit well
- __not looking after your mout__h and teeth properly (poor oral hygiene)
- __having a dry mouth__ – which can be caused by some health conditions and medications
- __a poor diet__ – too much sugar or dairy may increase the risk of candida growth in the mouth
- __a lack of nutrients__ – being deficient in nutrients such as [iron](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/anaemia-iron-deficiency) and [vitamin B12](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/vitamin-b12-and-folate-deficiency) can raise risk.


## When to see a doctor and getting a diagnosis

If you have symptoms of oral thrush, see your doctor. They’ll probably be able to tell if you have it by looking at your mouth, tongue, and cheeks.

Depending on your age, health history and symptoms, they may also recommend blood tests to check for other conditions that can make oral thrush more likely, such as nutrient deficiencies or [diabetes](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/diabetes).


## Treatments for oral thrush

Your doctor will recommend treatment based on your age and the cause of the infection. 

Oral thrush can usually be successfully treated with antifungal medications. This can be either:

- __a gel or liquid that you apply to your mouth__ – known as ‘topical’ treatment, this is probably the first thing your doctor will try. You’ll usually need to use it for 7-14 days
- __tablets__ – usually taken once a day.

If you have a weakened immune system, the infection can be more severe and you may need to take treatment for longer. 

If symptoms come back after you’ve finished treatment, contact your doctor, as this may mean you have a more serious infection.


## Preventing oral thrush

Things you can do to reduce your chances of getting oral thrush include:
- eating less sugar and yeast-containing foods such as bread, beer, and wine, which can encourage Candida growth
- brushing your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste
- cleaning between your teeth with floss and/or interdental brushes
- talking to your dentist before using mouthwash or sprays 
- having regular dental check-ups – even if you wear dentures and/or have no natural teeth
- quitting smoking. 

### Wear dentures?

- remove them every night, and clean them with toothpaste or soap and water
- soak them in a denture-cleaning solution 
- make sure they fit well.

Read more about dental health and [looking after dentures](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/treatments/dentures).

### Use a steroid inhaler?

- rinse your mouth with water and spit out after use
- use a spacer to help reduce medication being left in your mouth.

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References

Fiona Bugler

Susie Parker

Dr Ewan O'Farrell

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Oral thrush (candidiasis) is a fungal infection in your mouth, causing white spots and pain. Find out what can help.
