Salt Water for the Treatment of Mouth Fungus

Thrush is a mouth fungus which appears as white raised sores on the inside of the mouth and on the throat and tonsils. It can also be present on the gums, and people with dentures develop fungus if the dentures do not fit properly or if they are not cleaned properly. Thrush can be painful when eating or swallowing and if left untreated can progressively move deeper into the throat.

Mouth fungus can be caused by stress, reactions to medications both over-the-counter and prescription, or bacteria building up in the body. Elderly people and children are most susceptible to this condition, and an infant can develop a thrush infection if the mother had a vaginal yeast infection when the baby was born.

Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 oz. warm water and rinse your mouth when you get up in the morning, after every meal and before going to bed. Do not swallow the water and do not give salt water to young children who might swallow it. Over-the-counter medications such as aspirin can be taken for pain relief, and if the condition does not begin to clear up in two to three days, contact your physician to determine whether you may need a prescription medication.

If a prescription medication is prescribed, make sure you follow the directions and take all of the medications as prescribed to ensure the fungus is cleared up. Wash all utensils, cups and glasses in boiling water and boil bottle nipples and pacifiers for at least 10 minutes. Do not share drinks or lip products such as lip gloss and lipstick or any products going into the mouth like straws or cigarettes.

If during the fungal outbreak you develop a fever, or sores appear on the body, contact your doctor as the infection may be spreading. If a child being treated for a fungal infection is refusing to eat or drink, is disoriented or develops a fever, contact your physician immediately as the child may be becoming dehydrated or a serious medical condition may be developing.