This information is general only and does not replace advice from your GP or healthcare professional.
1. What is oral thrush?
Oral thrush (oral candidiasis) is a fungal infection caused by Candida yeast growing in the mouth. It often appears as white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, or palate, and can cause discomfort or a burning feeling.
2. What are the common symptoms?
Symptoms include white “cottage cheese–like” patches, redness, soreness, difficulty swallowing, a dry mouth feeling, or loss of taste. Some people also notice cracked corners of the mouth.
3. What causes oral thrush?
Thrush happens when the normal balance of bacteria and yeast in the mouth is disrupted. Common triggers include recent antibiotics, inhaled steroids, poorly controlled diabetes, dry mouth, or weakened immunity.
4. How is oral thrush diagnosed?
GPs usually diagnose it by looking inside your mouth. In unclear cases, a swab may be taken to confirm the cause.
5. How is oral thrush treated?
Treatment usually involves antifungal medicines such as lozenges, mouth gels, or oral liquids. For persistent cases, tablets may be needed. It’s also important to treat any underlying cause.
6. Can oral thrush go away on its own?
Mild cases may improve, but most do not fully resolve without antifungal treatment—especially if a trigger (e.g., inhaled steroid use, diabetes, dentures) is still present.
7. How can I prevent oral thrush?
Good oral hygiene, brushing teeth twice daily, rinsing your mouth after using inhalers, managing dry mouth, cleaning dentures, and controlling blood sugar (if diabetic) all help reduce risk.
8. Is oral thrush contagious?
Oral thrush is generally not considered contagious in healthy adults. However, sharing utensils or kissing may spread yeast if the other person is vulnerable (e.g., newborns, people with weak immunity).
9. When should I see a GP?
See your GP if symptoms last more than a few days, keep coming back, make swallowing difficult, or if you have other medical conditions that may weaken immunity.
10. Can babies get oral thrush?
Yes. Babies commonly develop thrush, especially if bottle-feeding or after antibiotics. It often appears as white patches that don’t wipe off. Treatment is usually a gentle antifungal gel prescribed by a GP.
