Oral thrush (mouth thrush)

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