Oral thrush (mouth thrush)

Find out about oral thrush, including common symptoms and what to do if you or your child has it.

Oral thrush is usually harmless. It's common in babies and also older people with dentures. It can be treated with antifungal medicine.

Other symptoms in adults include:

  • cracks at the corners of your mouth
  • not tasting things properly
  • an unpleasant taste in your mouth
  • pain inside your mouth (for example, a sore tongue or sore gums)
  • difficulty eating and drinking

Oral thrush in adults is not contagious.

Babies

Babies with oral thrush may not want to feed.

Look at other causes of a white or sore tongue.

Oral thrush can be treated with a mouth gel bought from a pharmacy. The gel is suitable for adults, children and babies over the age of 4 months.

Ask your pharmacist for advice. Always follow the instructions on the medicine packet.

Find a pharmacy

Oral thrush is not usually serious but sometimes you may need to get help from a GP.

See a GP if:

  • your baby is under 4 months old and has signs of oral thrush
  • you have oral thrush and do not see any improvement after 1 week of treatment with a mouth gel
  • you have difficulty or pain when swallowing
  • you have symptoms of thrush and have a weakened immune system or take medicine that lowers your immune system (immunosuppressants)

Oral thrush is an infection caused by a fungus called Candida. Some things can make the fungus grow more than usual.

You might get thrush if you:

  • take antibiotics over a long time
  • use asthma inhalers
  • wear dentures
  • are having cancer treatment like chemotherapy
  • have a long-term condition such as diabetes or HIV

There are some things you can do to help prevent oral thrush.

Do

  • take care of your teeth – brush twice a day, clean your dentures and go for regular dental check-ups even if you have dentures

  • brush your gums and tongue with a soft toothbrush if you do not have any teeth

  • rinse your mouth after eating or taking medicine

  • go to regular check-ups if you have a long-term condition

  • sterilise babies' dummies regularly and bottles after each use

  • replace teats and nipple shields weekly

  • wash bras and breast pads (if you're breastfeeding), bibs and muslin cloths on a hot wash

Don't

  • do not freeze breast milk to use later if your baby has oral thrush

  • do not wear dentures at night

  • do not keep wearing dentures if they do not fit properly – see your dentist

  • do not smoke