Brushing and flossing reduces the risk of various infections in the mouth, including gingivitis. If your immune system is trying to fight off other infections, it is less likely to be able to fight off a thrush infection.
Try removing your dentures at least a couple evenings every week when you are home and don’t need to use them, in addition to taking them out while you sleep. This will help keep your mouth and dentures cleaner, which can minimize the chance of getting thrush.
A toothbrush that needs to be replaced will have worn and misshaped bristles. Fungus does not live outside of the body for very long, but taking preventative measures is better than risking infection.
Regular dental cleanings help to minimize infections in general and will clean off all food debris that you can’t remove when brushing and flossing. Your dentist will also be able to spot any signs that a thrush infection is starting in your mouth when they are giving you a cleaning. Getting cleanings is especially important if you wear dentures or have diabetes, as these are 2 risk factors for getting thrush. If you are planning to go to a dental school or clinic for a free cleaning, call ahead to book an appointment, as there may be a long waiting time.
Uncontrolled diabetes can increase the amount of sugar in your saliva, which increases the ability of the thrush fungus to grow. If you manage your diabetes with insulin and a controlled diet, your sugar levels and your risk of thrush will be minimized. Immunosuppression can decrease saliva and kill friendly bacteria in the mouth and especially the vaginal areas. Chronic dry mouth can also promote thrush, as a lack of saliva can allow the thrush fungus to grow. Get your dry mouth treated in order to minimize your risk of thrush. Alcoholism, which is a disease, can also increase your risk. Talk to your doctor about your alcohol consumption and any changes they’d recommend.
For instance, treatments for HIV and AIDS can suppress the immune system, which makes a thrush infection more likely. Also, having cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation can promote the development of thrush.
Oral thrush can grow on all baby bottle parts, so be sure to wash and sterilize nipples, bottles, and any other parts. Since the nipple provides a warm, moist environment that is hard to clean, it requires extra attention. You can boil them or replace them with new nipples often. If your baby is prone to yeast infections and is bottle fed, consider increasing cleaning and sterilizing of the bottles. It’s also a good idea to wash and sterilize toys that your baby likes to chew on, such as teething toys.
If breastfeeding is not possible, it does not mean that your baby will get oral thrush. It just means that you need to be diligent about cleaning your child’s bottles.
Breast milk can be kept at room temperature for 6 to 8 hours if you are going to use it during that time. If not, store your breast milk in a refrigerator or freezer. Typically breast milk can be kept in a fridge for up to 5 days and a freezer for up to 6 months. [11] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source It is possible to store a pre-made bottle of formula in the fridge for as long as the manufacturer suggests. However, when feeding a baby formula it is best to make up the bottles as needed.
Some symptoms that you may experience if you have thrush on your nipples include itching, burning, flaking, and cracking skin on the nipple. You may also get redness, tiny blisters, shooting pains during and after breast feeding, and deep breast pain that will not go away. Treatment typically consists of an antifungal ointment that is applied to the nipples.
Pay attention for signs you could have vaginal thrush. Symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge that is white and cottage cheese-like, swelling in the genital area, burning or itching in the genital area, and pain or discomfort during urination or sex. [14] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Discharge from vaginal thrush should not smell, so talk to your doctor about other potential causes if your discharge smells. Vaginal thrush is typically treated with prescription or over-the-counter antifungal medications. However, if you are pregnant you should discuss the condition and treatment with your doctor before beginning treatment.
Avoid using heavily-scented soaps, shower gels, douches, or deodorants in your vaginal area. You should also avoid using latex products in your vaginal area if you have a sensitivity to them.
Underwear made of cotton or silk are good choices. [18] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source There is special underwear made for people with eczema that can work well for preventing thrush. These can be purchased from online retailers. You can also go without underwear while you’re at home, though you should use a towel or blanket to cover the area where you sit.
Always talk to your doctor about probiotics and yogurt while taking antibiotics. L. acidophilus is the probiotic supplement that is most commonly used to prevent vaginal thrush. It is typically available at health food stores and from online retailers. If you are eating yogurt to minimize your risk of a thrush infection, be sure that it is labeled as having “live cultures. " This will ensure that is has the good bacteria that you want.
A previous yeast infection. Your menstrual cycle. Pregnancy. A compromised immune system. Uncontrolled diabetes. Taking antibiotics. Intercourse without proper lubrication.
