Oral Thrush

General Health

White patches, soreness, and a burning mouth? That could be oral thrush - and it won’t always clear by itself.
At SwiftMedi, we offer fast, effective antifungal treatments like Nystatin and Fluconazole, prescribed online by UK clinicians and delivered discreetly. Relief is only a few clicks away.

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About Oral Thrush

Overview


Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans inside the mouth.

It often appears after antibiotic use, steroid inhalers, smoking, or when the immune system is weakened. While it can feel uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing, the infection is usually harmless and responds quickly to antifungal treatment.


Symptoms


Oral thrush can affect the tongue, cheeks, roof of the mouth, and throat. Common symptoms include:

  • White or creamy patches on the tongue, gums, or inside the cheeks
  • Soreness or burning in the mouth
  • Cracking at the corners of the lips (angular cheilitis)
  • Altered taste or a cotton-like feeling in the mouth
  • In more severe cases, pain when eating or swallowing



Diagnosis


Most cases are diagnosed based on your symptoms and medical history. A doctor or prescriber may also examine the mouth to confirm the presence of white patches that can be wiped off, often leaving a sore red surface beneath.

Recurrent or severe infections may require a swab or blood tests to check for underlying conditions.


Treatments


Oral thrush responds well to antifungal medicines, which stop the yeast from multiplying. At SwiftMedi, we offer:

  • Nystatin oral suspension – a liquid that coats the inside of the mouth and throat, directly targeting infection.
  • Fluconazole capsules – a once-daily tablet that works systemically, particularly useful for stubborn or recurrent cases.


Treatment usually lasts 7–14 days, with symptoms often improving within a few days.


Prevention


Simple steps can help reduce the risk of thrush coming back:

  • Rinse your mouth after using steroid inhalers.
  • Limit sugar intake, as yeast thrives on sugar.
  • Maintain good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and dental check-ups.
  • Avoid smoking, which increases risk.
  • If wearing dentures, clean them daily and remove at night.



Misconceptions


“Oral thrush only happens to people with poor hygiene.”
Not true. It can affect anyone, especially after antibiotics, inhaler use, or illness.

“It’s contagious like a cold.”
Oral thrush is not usually contagious, though it can very occasionally pass through close contact like kissing.

“It will just clear on its own.”
Mild cases sometimes improve, but most people need antifungal treatment for reliable relief.

“If it comes back, it must be serious.”
Not always. Recurrent thrush can happen if underlying triggers aren’t managed, but most cases are not linked to serious illness.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is oral thrush and what causes it?

    Oral thrush is a yeast infection in the mouth caused by Candida overgrowth. It happens when the natural balance of microbes changes, allowing the yeast to multiply. Medicines like fluconazole capsules can help clear it when symptoms are moderate or persistent.

  • What are the most common symptoms of oral thrush?

    Symptoms include white patches on the tongue or cheeks, soreness, redness, difficulty eating or swallowing, and a cotton-like feeling in the mouth. Some people also notice reduced taste. Mild cases may respond to clotrimazole treatment, depending on symptoms and severity.

  • Is oral thrush contagious and can I pass it to someone else?

    Oral thrush is usually not highly contagious, but close contact like kissing can sometimes spread Candida, especially if the other person is run down. Treating your infection promptly with fluconazole helps reduce the risk of passing it on.

  • What treatments work best for oral thrush?

    Treatments depend on severity. Mild patches may improve with clotrimazole, while more persistent symptoms often respond better to fluconazole capsules. Good oral hygiene and avoiding irritants also help. Your clinician can guide you on the best option for your symptoms.

  • How long does oral thrush take to clear once I start treatment?

    Many people start improving within a few days, though the course may take a week or longer depending on the treatment used. Completing the recommended course helps prevent symptoms returning.

  • When should I see a doctor about oral thrush?

    See a clinician if symptoms are severe, don’t improve after treatment, keep returning, or if swallowing becomes painful. They may check for underlying causes and advise whether fluconazole or another treatment is needed. Persistent cases always warrant medical advice.

  • Why does oral thrush keep coming back?

    Recurrence can happen when the underlying trigger isn’t addressed. Common factors include antibiotic use, inhaler use, dry mouth, smoking, diabetes or poorly fitting dentures. Treating symptoms with clotrimazole while tackling triggers helps reduce recurrence.

  • Can oral thrush affect taste or make eating uncomfortable?

    Yes. Oral thrush can cause soreness, a burning sensation, and reduced taste, making meals less enjoyable. These symptoms usually improve within a few days of starting fluconazole treatment. Hydration, soft foods and avoiding spicy meals can help ease discomfort while you recover.

  • Is oral thrush a sign of a weak immune system?

    Sometimes. While many healthy adults get oral thrush after antibiotics or illness, frequent or severe episodes can suggest lowered immunity. Fluconazole may still help clear the infection, but you should also discuss any recurring symptoms with a clinician.

  • Can I treat oral thrush naturally or without medicine?

    Mild cases may improve with good oral hygiene, warm saltwater rinses, and avoiding sugary foods, but these aren’t always enough on their own. Medicines such as clotrimazole remain the most reliable way to clear the infection quickly.

  • What triggers oral thrush in adults?

    Common triggers include antibiotics, steroid inhalers, smoking, dry mouth, hormonal changes and underlying health conditions. Treating the infection with fluconazole is helpful, but addressing the trigger reduces the chance of recurrence.

  • Can antibiotics or inhalers cause oral thrush?

    Yes. Antibiotics can disrupt natural bacteria, allowing yeast to grow. Steroid inhalers may also trigger thrush if residue stays in the mouth. Rinsing after each use and treating symptoms with clotrimazole can help.

  • Can I get oral thrush if I don’t wear dentures?

    Yes. While dentures are a common trigger, anyone can develop thrush if conditions favour yeast overgrowth. Illness, medications and lifestyle factors all play a role. Fluconazole treatment helps clear the infection regardless of denture use.

  • What happens if oral thrush is left untreated?

    Mild cases may persist or worsen without treatment, causing ongoing soreness and difficulty eating. In some people the infection can spread deeper into the throat. Starting clotrimazole or fluconazole early helps prevent complications.

  • How can I prevent oral thrush from coming back?

    Prevention includes brushing twice daily, rinsing after using steroid inhalers, limiting sugar, and keeping dentures clean if you wear them. Using fluconazole when symptoms reappear may help in recurrent cases, under clinician advice.