Also known as thrush or yeast, oral candidiasis is a fungal infection that irritates mucous membranes of the mouth. Like a vaginal yeast infection, oral candidiasis is causes by Candida albicans, an organism that under the right conditions lives in the body without causing upset.
If the body's natural flora are out of balance due to use of antibiotics, steroids or oral contraceptives, a diet that is high in sugar or diabetes, a yeast infection may develop. Lack of sleep, illness and stress can also put the body at risk, since they all weaken immunity.
Candidiasis causes inflamed oral tissue, a white coating to form on the mouth and tongue, a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. An oral infection can spread from the mouth to the digestive tract, resulting in a fungal infection can spread from the mouth to the digestive tract, resulting in a fungal infection of the bowel.
Seek medical advice for chronic infections, as they are harder to treat if they reach the ears, intestine or esophagus. Meanwhile a good diet, natural medicine and vitamins help to prevent and treat oral candidiasis.
Home Remedies For Treatment of Oral Candidiasis
Clove, lavender, myrrh and tea tree all help in treating oral candidiasis. These medicinal plants have strong disinfectant properties and contain volatile oils that are quite effective in treating fungal infections because they support the body's natural resistance and accelerate the healing process.
Tea tree oil is a strong antifungal agent that has both immune stimulating and wound healing effects. Add three drops of tea tree oil to one cup of boiled water. Use the solution to dab the affected parts of your mouth several times a day.
Yogurt With Live Cultures and Mouth Rinses
If the fungus spreads to the bowels, it may compete with the natural flora of the intestines, which are important for proper digestion. To support beneficial intestinal bacteria, take acidophilus supplements and eat yogurt that's low in sugar and contain live lactobacillus and acidophilus cultures.
Pau d'arco's high tannin content and antimicrobial and immune stimulating compounds make it an effective mouth rinse. Add one teaspoon of the tincture to one cup of warm water, and rinse the mouth with it.
To make an antifungal spice blend, mix equal amounts of crushed cumin or caraway seeds with ground cloves, which are all noted to have antifungal properties. Bring two cups of water to a boil. Pour the hot water over two teaspoons of the spice blend. Let the infusion steep for five to seven minutes. Rinse your mouth with several teaspoons of the mixture at least three times a day until symptoms abate.
Remember to practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth after meals. The antifungal mouthwashes can supplement these preventative measures. During a bout of thrush, keep your toothbrush in disinfectant mouthwash and change it regularly since the fungi can survive in the damp bristles. Stay healthy with plenty of exercise, enough rest and a well balanced diet. Avoid eating sugar, which feeds fungal strains and promotes yeast infections.
Source:
Martin, Jeanne Marie, Rona, Zoltan P.,Complete Candida Yeast Guidebook: Everything You Need to Know About Prevention, Treatment & Diet. Three Rivers Press; 2000
Yolanda Triana - I have been dusting with flour and rolling the pin since I was tall enough to reach the kitchen counter. As an adult, I have successfully ...
Join the Conversation