Oral Thrush
Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth that causes creamy white patches on the tongue, cheeks, or gums. Oral thrush is common in babies, denture wearers, and people who use inhaled steroids or antibiotics. It is easy to treat.
What Is It
Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of candida, a yeast that normally lives in the mouth. It grows when the balance of the mouth changes, such as after antibiotics, with diabetes, dry mouth, or a weak immune system. Babies can pass it to a breastfeeding parent.
Symptoms
- Creamy white patches on the tongue, cheeks, or gums
- Patches that may bleed slightly when wiped
- Redness or soreness in the mouth
- A cotton like feeling in the mouth
- Cracks at the corners of the mouth
- Fussiness or trouble feeding in babies
Not sure it’s thrush? Small, painful round sores may be canker sores. Blisters on the lips may be cold sores.
Treatment
At your visit: A provider examines the mouth and confirms thrush by how it looks. Thrush is treated with an antifungal liquid, lozenge, or pill. Babies and breastfeeding parents may both need treatment.
At home:
- Rinse your mouth with water after using an inhaler
- Clean dentures daily and remove them at night
- Sterilize bottle nipples and pacifiers
- Keep blood sugar controlled if you have diabetes
Most thrush clears within 1 to 2 weeks of treatment.
When to Get Care for Oral Thrush
Most oral thrush cases can be cared for at home. If you are not sure what it is, or it is not getting better, Vitality Urgent Care is here to answer your questions and advise the right treatment. No appointment is needed.
FAQ
What does oral thrush look like?
Oral thrush looks like creamy white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, or gums. The patches may leave red, sore spots when wiped.
What causes oral thrush?
Oral thrush is caused by an overgrowth of candida yeast. It is more likely after antibiotics, with inhaled steroids, dentures, diabetes, or a weak immune system.
Is oral thrush contagious?
Oral thrush is not usually contagious between healthy adults. It can pass back and forth between a baby and a breastfeeding parent during feeding.
How is oral thrush treated in babies?
Oral thrush in babies is treated with an antifungal liquid applied in the mouth. Breastfeeding parents may need treatment for the nipples at the same time.
Can urgent care treat oral thrush?
Yes, urgent care can treat oral thrush. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can examine the mouth and discuss antifungal treatment for babies and adults. No appointment or referral is needed.
How long does oral thrush last?
Oral thrush usually clears within 1 to 2 weeks of treatment. Thrush that keeps coming back may have an underlying cause.
Last reviewed October 2026
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