Oral thrush is caused by yeast or fungus infections. The fungus exists in your mouth and usually does not cause any problem. However, when the immune system is weakened, this fungus grows and forms creamy whitish patches on the inner sides of cheeks and the tongue. Thrush can spread to the gums, throat, tonsils and the roof of the mouth. 

Will Thrush Go Away on Its Own?

Most of the times, if the symptoms are very mild and there are no associated complications, the thrush is more likely to get better without any treatment and the best strategy is to wait and watch. However, if it is left untreated, the symptoms can get severe and spread to other body parts.

• Oral thrush can spread to the throat and can involve esophagus or the food pipe. It can also affect skin and vagina. It rarely involves any other organs.
• Babies having oral thrush can develop diaper rash due to the presence of yeast or fungus in the stools.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Thrush?

Most of the mild cases of thrush can get better in a few days by using anti-fungal mouth rinse and lozenges. It may take 14 days to treat severe infection by using oral form anti-fungal medications. Sometimes, severe thrush can be difficult to treat and it can take longer to completely eradicate the infection.  

How to Make Thrush Go Away with Home Remedies

Will thrush go away on its own? Sometimes mild thrush may get better on its own, but most of the time you should treat this condition to prevent it from getting serious. Here are a few home remedies you can try to ease the symptoms and hasten recovery.

1.      Salt

Salt is very effective to get rid of oral thrush as it can create an environment which is not suitable for the fungus to grow.

• Take a cup of warm water and add one teaspoon of salt to it. Gargle with this salty water to get rid of oral thrush.
• Take a little amount of salt and rub it directly over the area affected by thrush. Be gentle and then rinse your mouth with warm water. Repeat twice a day.

2.      Yogurt

Plain probiotic yogurt can provide effective relief from thrush, as the bacteria found in yogurt can kill the fungal cells. Do as the follows:

• Eat two to three cups of yogurt daily.
• You can also take some yogurt and rub it over the areas of oral thrush with your finger. Let it stay for ten minutes and then rinse with warm water. For best results, repeat the process twice a day for ten days.

3.      Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has fungicidal properties which can destroy candida albicans fungus.

• Take some virgin coconut oil and apply on the affected area with the help of a cotton bud or a small swab. This is very soothing and you can repeat it three times per day.
• In the morning, take one tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for five to ten minutes. After swishing the oil, spit it, rinse your mouth with warm water and brush your teeth.

4.      Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has many enzymes which can kill the fungus that causes oral thrush. It also strengthens the immune system.

• Take one cup warm water and add half teaspoon of salt and two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar. Mix well and rinse your mouth with it three to four times a day.
• Take one cup warm water and add a tablespoon of organic honey and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Mix well and drink twice a day.

5.      Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has potent antifungal property. To treat oral thrush:

• Take a cup of warm water and add five drops of tea tree oil in it. Mix well and gargle with this solution twice or three times a day.
• Take care and do not ingest the mixture.

6.      Baking Soda

Will thrush go away on its own? Maybe it can, but using baking soda to avoid serious infection is suggested. Baking soda can neutralize the acid and change oral pH, making it unsuitable for fungal growth.

• Make a paste by mixing a tablespoon of baking soda with some water. Apply it on the affected area of mouth with the help of a swab. Let it stay for five to ten minutes and then rinse your mouth with warm water. Repeat three to four times a day for a week.
• Add half teaspoon of baking soda in water and use it for rinsing your mouth.

7.      Garlic

Garlic is also very useful to treat thrush. It has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.

• Chew a couple of garlic cloves daily, if you do not like the smell, you can take garlic capsules.
• If you apply a little garlic oil on affected areas, they will heal quickly.

When to See a Doctor?

Will thrush go away on its own? Although the answer is yes, you should still contact your doctor in case you notice any of the following symptoms:

• If the infection seems to spread rapidly and the patches appear around the mouth as well.
• There is no improvement in the symptoms despite treatment for a week or more.
• The home remedies offer no relief to the symptoms and they appear to be more severe.
• The symptoms appear more frequently.
• There is any underlying medical condition which can compromise the immune system like cancer or HIV.