About this topic
Thrush is a type of yeast infection that you can get in your mouth. Yeast infections are caused by a germ called a fungus. These germs live almost everywhere on your body. They can be found in your mouth, on your feet, and in the digestive tract. Most often, your immune system can control the amount of yeast and you stay healthy. If you are sick, the yeast can multiply and cause an infection. ‚
Thrush causes white patches inside your mouth. You may also have redness, bleeding, or soreness. ‚
View OriginalView Original
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- For adults and children:
- Brush your teeth and tongue at least two times each day with a soft toothbrush. Floss every night.
- If you have dentures or retainers, clean them well every night.
- Do not use over-the-counter (OTC) mouthwashes. They can kill healthy bacteria.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water a few times a day. Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt with a cup of warm water.
- For infants and toddlers:
- Wash your babys bottle, bottle nipples, and pacifiers each day in hot water.
- Wash sippy cups and toys that are put in the mouth each day in hot water.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to fight an infection. The drug may be a pill, mouthwash, or lozenge that you suck on. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Physical activity will not be limited. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Ask your doctor if eating yogurt may help.
- If your mouth is sore, eat soft foods like soup and pureed fruits and vegetables.
What problems could happen?
- Thrush may spread to other parts of the body
- Treatment does not work
- Thrush comes back
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- See your dentist regularly. You may need to go more often if you have diabetes or dentures.
- If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.
- If you use an inhaler, rinse your mouth after each use.
- If you smoke, try to quit.
- If you get thrush often, you may need to take drugs every day to keep from getting it again.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher
- Signs of not getting enough water. These include dry mouth, very thirsty, or little or no urine.
- Trouble swallowing or stiff neck or jaw
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my babys bottles, nipples, and pacifiers if my baby has thrush.
- I can tell you what signs will make me think I am not getting enough water.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/fungal/candidiasis/thrush/definition.html ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/thrush.html ‚
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/352/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚