Oral Thrush (Mouth Thrush)

Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Key Points

Harmless fungal infection of the mouth
Common in babies and denture wearers
Treated with antifungal medicine
Not contagious in adults

Overview

Oral thrush, also known as mouth thrush, is a common fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida in the mouth. It's generally harmless and easily treatable with medication. While it can affect anyone, it is particularly common in infants and older adults who wear dentures. Certain health conditions or medications can also increase the risk. Oral thrush is typically managed with antifungal medications prescribed by a doctor, which help to control the fungal growth and relieve symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

White patches inside the mouth
Cracks at the corners of the mouth
Difficulty tasting food properly
Unpleasant taste in the mouth
Pain inside the mouth (e.g., sore tongue or gums)
Difficulty eating and drinking
Babies may refuse to feed

Things That Increase the Risk

Long-term antibiotic use
Using asthma inhalers
Undergoing cancer treatments like chemotherapy
Wearing dentures
Having long-term conditions like diabetes

Diagnosis

Doctor examines the mouth
Assesses reported symptoms
Reviews medical history

Treatment & Management

Prescribed antifungal liquid medicine (e.g., nystatin)
Hold medicine in the mouth as long as possible before swallowing
See a GP for proper diagnosis and prescription

Prevention

Brush teeth twice daily
Clean dentures regularly
Go for regular dental check-ups
Brush gums and tongue with a soft toothbrush (if no teeth)
Rinse mouth after eating or taking medicine
Go to regular check-ups for long-term conditions like diabetes
Sterilize dummies regularly
Sterilize baby bottles after each use
Do not wear dentures at night
See a dentist if dentures do not fit properly
Avoid smoking

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Oral Thrush (Mouth Thrush):