Minor Ailments

Oral Thrush

Treat oral thrush effectively with antifungal solutions and pharmacist guidance.

Understanding and Treating Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast. It commonly affects infants, older adults, people who wear dentures, those with weakened immune systems, and individuals using inhaled corticosteroids. While it can be uncomfortable, oral thrush is typically treatable with antifungal medications. Your PharmaChoice pharmacist can assess your symptoms and recommend the right course of action.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Thrush

Symptoms include creamy white or yellowish patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, or throat; redness or soreness beneath the patches; cracking at the corners of the mouth; difficulty swallowing; and a cottony or unpleasant taste. Patches may bleed slightly when scraped.

How Your Pharmacist Can Help

Your PharmaChoice pharmacist can assess oral thrush and provide treatment options, including prescribing medications when appropriate. They can also recommend oral care products, provide guidance on prevention and oral hygiene, and support nursing mothers by helping manage treatment for both mother and baby during breastfeeding.

Find Oral Thrush Treatment Near You

Visit a PharmaChoice pharmacy near you for advice, assessment, and access to oral thrush treatment options. Book an appointment with a pharmacist at your convenience.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about oral thrush, including how it is treated, what causes it, and how to prevent recurrence.

What causes oral thrush?

Oral thrush is caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast, which normally lives in the mouth in small amounts. Triggers include antibiotic use, inhaled steroids, dentures, weakened immunity, diabetes, or dry mouth.

Is oral thrush contagious?

Oral thrush is generally not highly contagious in healthy individuals. However, it can pass between nursing mothers and infants, and transmission is possible through kissing or shared utensils with a person with a compromised immune system.

How is oral thrush treated?

Mild cases may respond to over-the-counter antifungal treatments. More persistent or severe cases typically require prescription antifungal medications such as nystatin or fluconazole. Your pharmacist can help determine the appropriate treatment.

Can oral thrush go away on its own?

Mild oral thrush may resolve without treatment in people with healthy immune systems, but antifungal treatment is generally recommended to clear the infection more quickly and prevent it from spreading.

How can I prevent oral thrush?

Maintain good oral hygiene, rinse your mouth after using inhaled corticosteroids, clean dentures daily, treat dry mouth, and manage underlying conditions such as diabetes. Probiotics may also help restore the natural balance of mouth bacteria.

Get care guidance and treatment support from your pharmacist.

Our pharmacists can assess symptoms and prescribe treatments for minor ailments.