Over The Counter Medicine For Thrush On Tongue
Thrush on tongue is a type of oral candidiasis caused by the overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans. It can cause white or yellow patches on the tongue, and it can be painful and uncomfortable. Thrush on tongue can occur in people of all ages, and it can be treated with over-the-counter medications.
What is Thrush on Tongue?
Thrush on tongue is a type of oral candidiasis caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans. This fungus is normally present in the mouth, but it can overgrow and cause an infection. Thrush on tongue can cause white or yellow patches on the tongue, and it can be painful and uncomfortable. Other symptoms of thrush on tongue include:
- Soreness or burning sensation in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of taste
- Cracks at the corners of the mouth
- A dry or cottony feeling in the mouth
Thrush on tongue can occur in people of all ages, but it is more common in infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. It can also occur in people who use steroid inhalers for asthma, people who have HIV or AIDS, and people who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
What are the Causes of Thrush on Tongue?
Thrush on tongue is caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans. This can occur for a number of reasons, including:
- Use of antibiotics, which can kill the good bacteria in the mouth that keep the Candida fungus in check
- Having a weakened immune system, which can allow the Candida fungus to overgrow
- Using steroid inhalers for asthma, which can cause a dry mouth and allow the Candida fungus to overgrow
- Having HIV or AIDS, which can weaken the immune system and allow the Candida fungus to overgrow
- Undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which can weaken the immune system and allow the Candida fungus to overgrow
How to Treat Thrush on Tongue?
Thrush on tongue can be treated with over-the-counter medications. These medications are available in the form of:
- Antifungal mouthwashes
- Antifungal lozenges
- Antifungal gels
Antifungal mouthwashes are the most common form of treatment for thrush on tongue. They contain antifungal agents that can kill the Candida fungus and help to reduce the symptoms of thrush on tongue. Antifungal lozenges and gels can also be effective in treating thrush on tongue.
If over-the-counter medications do not work, your doctor may prescribe a stronger antifungal medication or antibiotics to treat the underlying cause of the thrush on tongue. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend changes to your diet or lifestyle to help prevent thrush on tongue from recurring.
Preventing Thrush on Tongue
There are several steps you can take to prevent thrush on tongue:
- Practice good oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily
- Avoid smoking and using tobacco products
- Avoid using mouthwashes that contain alcohol
- Avoid using steroid inhalers for asthma unless absolutely necessary
- Eat a healthy diet that is low in sugar and high in fruits and vegetables
- Get enough sleep and exercise regularly to help boost your immune system
Conclusion
Thrush on tongue is a common type of oral candidiasis that can be treated with over-the-counter medications. These medications are available in the form of antifungal mouthwashes, lozenges, and gels. If over-the-counter medications do not work, your doctor may prescribe a stronger antifungal medication or antibiotics to treat the underlying cause of the thrush on tongue. To prevent thrush on tongue, practice good oral hygiene, avoid smoking and using tobacco products, and eat a healthy diet that is low in sugar and high in fruits and vegetables.
