Oral thrush is one of the problems that yeast infections can cause. In most cases the culprit is candida albicans, which is a form of yeast that is normally present on the skin and in the mucous membranes of the digestive tract and the vagina. In most cases, the levels of yeast are kept in check by beneficial bacteria. As long as the balance of the microbes in the system is maintained, the bacteria ensure that the yeast does not get out of control and cause a problem.
However, if the balance is tipped due to antibiotics, a weak immune system or some other factor such as pregnancy, diabetes, oral contraceptives or high levels of estrogen, then the yeast start to multiply and cause painful symptoms.
Thrush can be identified if you notice a creamy white deposit on the tongue. At times, this deposit can be found on the inner cheek, palette, gums and tonsils and sometimes even at the back of the throat. If you try and scrape off the white deposit with a tongue cleaner or the brush, there is likely to be some bleeding as well. Left untreated, the infection can travel to the esophagus too. When that happens there can be great difficulty in swallowing, constant feeling of a lump in the throat and sometimes fever too.
Thrush can be diagnosed by a physical examination in most cases. It is only when the infection has reached the esophagus that a throat culture may be necessary. Conventional medicine practitioners are likely to recommend antifungal medicines that are available in the form of chewable tablets, lozenges and liquids. However, these antifungal tablets only reduce the number of yeast for a certain period of time and it is known that the real cause of this yeast infection called thrush is something else. Unless the root cause of the problem is cured, the thrush is likely to come back again.
It is necessary that you adopt a holistic approach that includes diet, natural treatment, exercises and home remedies to ensure that the thrush does not come back.
“Natural Cure for Yeast Infection” is a program that helps you understand the various ways in which thrush can be treated without the aid of antibiotics and antifungal medication that only treats the symptom.
Another program that has been very effective is “Yeast Infection No More”, in which readers learn about natural ways in which they can get rid of thrush forever.
Some of the remedies that are advocated are listed below:
- Intake large quantities of liquids.
- Include large quantities of (unsweetened) yogurt in your meals.
- Rinse your mouth with an apple cider vinegar and water combination. One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in half a cup of warm water should make a good rinse.
- Intake probiotics that contain lactobacillus to regain the lost balance of microbes in the mouth so that the thrush does not occur again.
- Significant reduction or complete avoidance of sweets.
While these home remedies will help in the treatment of thrush to a large extent, preventing the recurrence involves maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding mouthwashes and sprays, consulting the dentist regularly, limiting the amount of sugar intake and quitting smoking, if you do.