Oral thrush

Thrush is a yeast infection that causes white patches in the mouth and on the tongue. Thrush is most common in babies and in older adults with certain health problems, but it can occur at any age. Thrush in babies usually isn't serious.

Thrush can be a mild infection that causes no symptoms. If an adult has symptoms, they may include:

A burning feeling in the mouth and throat.

This occurs at the start of a thrush infection.

White patches that stick to the mouth and tongue.

The patches look like cottage cheese or milk curds. The tissue around the patches may be red, raw, and painful. If rubbed (during tooth brushing, for example), the patches and the tissue of the mouth may bleed easily.

A bad taste in the mouth or trouble tasting foods.

Some adults say they feel like they have cotton in their mouth.

If you breastfeed, you may get a yeast infection of your nipples if your baby has thrush. This can cause sore, red nipples. You may also have a severe burning pain in your nipples during and after breastfeeding.

In most cases, doctors can diagnose thrush just by looking at the white patches. The doctor will also ask you questions about your or your child's health. If your doctor thinks that another health problem, such as diabetes, may be related to thrush, you may also be tested for that condition.

Thrush is usually treated with antifungal medicines. These are either applied directly to the affected area (topical) or swallowed (oral).

Mild thrush

You will probably use antifungal medicine that goes directly on the white patches, such as a mouth rinse or a lozenge. Treatment usually lasts about 14 days.

Moderate to severe thrush

Thrush that spreads to the esophagus can cause a more severe infection. This is treated with antifungal pills. A topical antifungal medicine may also be used.

For some severe infections, treatment may last longer than 14 days.

Persistent or recurrent thrush

Persistent or recurrent cases of thrush may:

• Need to be treated twice as long as the symptoms last.
• Require treatment with both oral and topical medicines.

People with weakened immune systems may need to keep taking antifungal medicine to prevent thrush.

Drink cold liquids and eat foods that are easy to swallow. If the thrush patches are painful, try drinking through a straw. Rinse your mouth several times a day with a warm saltwater rinse. You can make the rinse with 1 tsp salt in 8 fl oz (236.6 mL) of warm water.