Except for the mildest cases, you should treat thrush to keep the infection from spreading. Antifungal medications, which inhibit the growth of yeast, are the standard treatment for thrush. Thrush is most commonly treated with medications that are either applied directly to the affected area (topical) or swallowed (oral).

General health, the severity of the infection, and the persistence or recurrence of the infection determine how the medication will be given. Infants are nearly always treated with topical antifungal medications. Topical medications don't work as well in adults because they have bigger mouths and it is hard to cover the affected areas.

Both nonprescription and prescription medications that inhibit the growth of yeast (antifungal) are available for treating thrush. If nonprescription medications do not cure thrush, you will need to see a doctor for a prescription medication.

In infants, treatment is continued for at least 48 hours after the symptoms have gone away. Adults usually need treatment for 14 days. In more severe or persistent infections, treatment may be continued beyond the normal treatment period. Antifungal medications are either applied directly to the affected area (topical) or swallowed (oral) so the medication affects the whole body.

Home Treatment for Thrush
If your child only has mild thrush, you may only need to clean bottle nipples and pacifiers regularly and massage the inside of your child's mouth with a clean moist cloth. If you are breast-feeding, you should clean your nipples with an antifungal medication, such as nystatin (Mycostatin). You should also dry your nipples after breast-feeding. Applying lanolin-containing body lotion may help relieve nipple soreness.

Massaging plain, unflavored yogurt that contains live cultures (check the label) around the inside of your child's mouth can also help cure thrush. Yogurt helps healthy bacteria grow in the mouth; these bacteria stop the growth of the yeast that causes thrush.

Adults can treat thrush at home with gentian violet (1%), a dye that kills bacteria and fungi. It is available without a prescription. If there is no known cause for the infection or if gentian violet does not cure the thrush, you need to see your doctor.

To reduce the discomfort of thrush:
* Drink cold liquids, such as water or iced tea, or eat flavored ice treats or frozen juices.
* Eat foods that are easy to swallow such as gelatin, ice cream, or custard.
* If the patches are painful, try drinking from a straw.
* Rinse your mouth several times a day with a warm saltwater rinse. You can make the saltwater mixture with 1 tsp (5 g) of salt in 8 fl oz (0.2 L) of warm water.