Overview
Oral thrush is usually harmless. It's common in babies and also older people with dentures. It can be treated with antifungal medicine.
Symptoms of oral thrush
Adults
Other symptoms in adults are:
- cracks at the corners of the mouth
- not tasting things properly
- an unpleasant taste in the mouth
- pain inside the mouth (for example, a sore tongue or sore gums)
- difficulty eating and drinking
Oral thrush in adults is not contagious.
Babies
Babies with oral thrush may not want to feed.
If you're not sure it's oral thrush
Look at other causes of a white or sore tongue.
Treatment for oral thrush
A GP can prescribe antifungal medicine to treat oral thrush, called nystatin. It comes as a liquid, which you should hold in your mouth for as long as possible before swallowing it.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- if you think you or your child might have oral thrush
How you can prevent oral thrush
Oral thrush is an infection caused by a fungus called Candida. Some things can make the fungus grow more than usual.
You might get thrush if you're:
- taking antibiotics over a long time
- using asthma inhalers
- having cancer treatment like chemotherapy
There are some things you can do to help prevent oral thrush.
-
take care of your teeth: brush twice a day, clean your dentures, and go for regular check-ups even if you have dentures
-
brush your gums and tongue with a soft toothbrush if you do not have any teeth
-
rinse your mouth after eating or taking medicine
-
go to regular check-ups if you have a long-term condition like diabetes
-
sterilise dummies regularly
-
sterilise bottles after each use
-
do not wear dentures at night
-
do not keep wearing dentures if they do not fit properly - see your dentist
-
do not smoke
Page last reviewed: 05 June 2023
Next review due: 05 June 2026
Information sourced from the NHS. If you have concerns about your medication or symptoms, pop in or call Hedon Pharmacy - we're here to help.
Read on nhs.uk