From the Guidelines
Oral thrush should not be scraped off the mouth as a treatment method, as this can cause further irritation and does not address the underlying fungal infection. The white patches of thrush may come off when scraped, often leaving red, bleeding areas underneath, which distinguishes it from other mouth conditions. However, scraping doesn't eliminate the underlying Candida fungal infection.
Treatment Options
The proper treatment for oral thrush typically involves antifungal medications such as:
- nystatin oral suspension (swish and swallow 4-5 times daily) 1
- clotrimazole troches (dissolve in mouth 5 times daily) 1
- fluconazole (typically 100-200mg on day one, followed by 50-100mg daily for 7-14 days for adults) 1 These medications target the fungus throughout the mouth and prevent recurrence.
Additional Recommendations
Good oral hygiene is also essential during treatment, including:
- regular brushing
- replacing toothbrushes
- avoiding mouthwashes with alcohol For denture wearers, removing and cleaning dentures nightly is crucial. Thrush often indicates an imbalance in mouth bacteria or a weakened immune system, so addressing underlying causes like uncontrolled diabetes, recent antibiotic use, or immunosuppression is important for preventing recurrence 1.
From the Research
Oral Thrush Treatment
- Oral thrush is a common condition that can be treated with various medications, including fluconazole and nystatin 2, 3, 4.
- Studies have shown that fluconazole is effective in treating oral thrush, with high clinical cure rates and low recurrence rates 2, 3, 4.
- Nystatin treatment is also available, but it may be associated with frequent recurrences and difficulty in administration 2.
Scraping Off Oral Thrush
- There is no evidence to suggest that oral thrush can be scraped off the mouth as a treatment method.
- The studies reviewed focus on medical treatments, such as fluconazole and nystatin, to treat oral thrush 2, 5, 3, 4, 6.
- Scraping off oral thrush is not a recommended or proven treatment method, and it may not be effective in eliminating the infection.
Treatment Options
- Fluconazole is a commonly used treatment for oral thrush, and it is available in various forms, including tablets and suspension 2, 3, 4.
- Nystatin is also used to treat oral thrush, but it may not be as effective as fluconazole in some cases 2.
- Clotrimazole troches are another treatment option for oral thrush, but they may require multiple daily doses 3.