Oral thrush, also known as pseudomembranous candidiasis, is the most common form of oral candidiasis (fungal infection caused by a fungus called candida albicans), accounting for 35% of all cases.
Left untreated, it can spread to the roof of your mouth, in which case you’ll experience an itchy sensation and even slight pain.
However, in this stage the infection can still be cured using the common anti-fungal medication. Read on to find out more on how to treat thrush on the roof of the mouth.
Why do I have thrush on the roof of my mouth?
The main reason is that probably you didn’t treat it when you saw the first symptoms. Once you get creamy white patches on your tongue, you should know that you’re experiencing the first symptoms of oral thrush. If you don’t take antifungals from the first symptoms, you’ll notice those patches starting to spread to your cheeks, roof of the mouth, and even throat.
What can I do?
At this stage, you can still take the typical antifungal medications, such as fluconazole or nystatin. Consult your doctor for the best treatment, since there’s a multitude of factors you need to take into account, such as your age and medical history.
You’re most likely to get one of the following treatments:
Gel/drops
Probably the most common treatment is to apply an anti-fungal gel (such as miconazole) or anti-fungal drops (nystatin). Regardless of which one you choose, you’ll have to apply it four times a day over the infected regions. The typical length of such treatments is five to seven days. There are also other treatments such as Gentian Violet, which is an anti-fungal dye and doesn’t require prescription.
Pills
Another way to treat oral thrush is taking pills. Most doctors will generally recommend this type of treatment if the condition persists after the use of nystatin or miconazole. Anti-fungal tablets contain a compound called fluconazole. You’ll usually have to take them for a week, but some severe cases may ask for longer cures of up to two weeks.
Home treatments
Active compounds in natural ingredients have been shown to cure oral thrush by directly affecting the candida albicans colonies in your mouth. Most of these solutions are applied locally, directly on the affected region. There is no clearly determined period of treatment, as the strength of the solution plays an important role. If your home remedy of choice seems to be ineffective after a few days of use, you may want to consult a doctor.
Some essential oils have been shown to kill candida albicans and lower the spread of thrush. The most commonly-used is coconut oil. You’ll have to apply extra-virgin coconut oil on the affected areas with a cotton swab, usually 2-4 times a day, until you’re happy with the results.
Another great home remedy is salt. Add one tablespoon of salt to one cup of water and use the mixture to gargle thoroughly. Repeat a few times a day for several days, until the symptoms are gone.
You can also use tea tree oil. Add 4/5 drops to one cup of warm water and use that to gargle thoroughly twice a day for several days, until the infection improves. Be careful not to swallow, as there may be some unpleasant side effects.
Other home remedies include yogurt, baking soda and apple cider vinegar. They’re all applied locally, and yogurt and apple cider vinegar may also be consumed, either alone or mixed with other ingredients.
Conclusion
White patches on the roof of your mouth are a common symptom of oral thrush, and you can treat them the say way you’d treat the infection in its early stages. Remember to consult your doctor and take the treatment exactly as prescribed, to avoid any complications.
Resources:
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Oral-thrush—adults/Pages/Introduction.aspx
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-thrush
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/oral_thrush/page4_em.htm#how_is_oral_thrush_treated
http://patient.info/health/oral-thrush-yeast-infection
http://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-oral-thrush.html