Patient education: Thrush in adults (The Basics)

What is thrush? — Thrush is an infection that affects the mouth and throat. This type of infection is caused by a fungus called "Candida." Candida is a type of fungus called "yeast." For this reason, some people call thrush a yeast infection of the mouth and throat.

Anyone can get thrush. In adults, it is more common in people who:

●Are older

●Are taking antibiotics

●Are taking inhaled steroid medicines

●Have a weak immune system (for example, people being treated for cancer and people with AIDS)

The same kind of yeast that causes thrush can also cause vaginal yeast infections. In babies, it can cause diaper rash.

What are the symptoms of thrush? — Many people with thrush have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include:

●White patches lining the cheeks or on the tongue, roof of the mouth, or back of the throat (picture 1)

●Redness inside the mouth without white patches. (This happens in people who wear dentures, retainers, or mouthguards.)

●Feeling like your mouth is filled with cotton

●Pain with eating and swallowing

Should I see my doctor or nurse? — Yes. If you have symptoms of thrush, call your doctor or nurse for an appointment.

Is there a test for thrush? — Yes, but most people do not need it. Your doctor or nurse should be able to tell if you have thrush just by looking inside your mouth. To confirm, they might also run a cotton swab (Q-tip) along your tongue or cheek and collect some fluid. Then, they send the fluid to the lab and have it checked for yeast.

How is thrush treated? — People with thrush usually get a prescription mouth rinse or a lozenge that has medicine to kill the yeast. (A lozenge is like a candy that you suck on.) There is also a tablet that sticks to your gums. If these options do not work, people sometimes take a pill that has medicine to kill yeast. People who have severe infections or other health problems sometimes get the pill right away.

People who wear dentures must also clean their dentures really well every night.

Can I prevent thrush? — For most people, doctors and nurses do not give medicines to prevent thrush. The best way to prevent thrush is by keeping your mouth clean. To do this:

●Brush your teeth and tongue at least 2 times each day with a soft toothbrush. Floss every night. Change your toothbrush as instructed.

●Do not use over-the-counter mouthwashes. They can kill healthy bacteria in your mouth that can help fight thrush.

●If you wear dentures, a mouthguard, or a retainer, it is really important to clean them every night and to give your mouth some time without the dentures, mouthguard, or retainer.

●If you use a steroid inhaler, gargle and rinse your mouth with water after every time you use your inhaler.

●If you have diabetes, try to keep your blood sugar under control.

●If you smoke, try to stop. If you are having trouble quitting, your doctor or nurse can help.

When should I call the doctor? — Call for advice if:

●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

●You have trouble swallowing or are not able to eat or drink.

More on this topic

Patient education: Vulvovaginal yeast infection (The Basics)