There are small white patches on your tongue and in the lining of your mouth that are caused by a yeast infection called oral thrush.It is common in infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.It is possible to prevent thrush by practicing healthy oral hygiene and treating underlying health conditions.
Step 1: You should brush your teeth at least once a day.
It is possible to lower your risk of infections by practicing good oral hygiene on a daily basis.In the morning and before bed, you should brush your teeth.
Step 2: It is recommended that you Floss at least once a day.
It doesn't matter if you do it before or after you brush, or when you wake up.Make sure to floss your teeth at least once a day to help reduce the risk of thrush.
Step 3: Get rid of your old toothbrush.
Get rid of your toothbrush if you have had a previous infections.It's a good idea to replace your toothbrush every three to five months.
Step 4: It is a good idea to soak your dentures at night.
If you wear dentures, be sure to use a chlorhexidine solution.You can get it from your pharmacy.
Step 5: Make sure to visit the dentist frequently.
Depending on your dental health, how often you need to visit the dentist may be different.If you have a regular cleaning, you should go once or twice a year.It is possible for your dentist to provide a more thorough cleaning than you can at home.Ask your dentist how often you should see him.Based on your medical history, they will have a better idea of how much care you need.
Step 6: You need to wash your hands.
Keeping your hands clean can help lower your risk for diseases.Before handling food, wash your hands.After using the bathroom.Before and after caring for a sick person.The door handles and escalator railings were frequently touched by other people in public.
Step 7: After consuming antibiotics, rinse your mouth.
Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance in your mouth and increase the risk for thrush.Immediately after taking antibiotics, rinse your teeth with water or brush them with a toothbrush.If you currently take antibiotics, talk to your healthcare provider about alternative treatments that won't increase your risk for thrush.
Step 8: High amounts of mold and yeast can be found in some foods.
Foods with yeast and mold can lead to yeast overgrowth in the body and increase your risk for thrush.Lower your intake of cow's milk and cheese, and stop consuming alcoholic beverages high in yeast content, if you want to lose weight.
Step 9: You should exercise on a regular basis.
Exercise can help strengthen your immune system and prevent you from developing diseases that can lead to thrush, such as type 2 diabetes.The CDC recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, as well as muscle-strengthening exercises that work all major muscle groups on two or more days a week.
Step 10: You need between seven and nine hours of sleep a night.
Your body can repair itself if you get an adequate amount of sleep every night.If you want to get the amount of sleep you need, you should start going to bed earlier and improve your sleeping environment.
Step 11: Existing conditions can increase your risk for thrush.
HIV, AIDS, cancer, diabetes, and vaginal yeast infections are all examples of health conditions that can lead to the development of thrush.If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, you should lower your intake of sugar and exercise as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Step 12: Antibiotics, steroids, and other drugs can increase your risk for thrush.
It's a common side effect of many drugs.Talk to your healthcare provider about the possibility of alternate treatments that will lower your risk for thrush if you currently take any medications for which it is a side effect.Even if your current medications increase the risk for thrush, don't start or stop taking them without consulting with your healthcare provider.It is possible for your physician to determine if any alternative treatments can effectively treat your condition without increasing the risk for thrush.
Step 13: You should wash your baby bottles, nipples, and pacifiers on a daily basis.
Keeping bottles and nipples clean can help reduce the risk of thrush.
Step 14: If possible, breastfeed.
Breast milk can boost your child's immune system and fight off infections.
Step 15: If possible, don't give a baby antibiotics.
Antibiotics kill off goodbacteria that can keep the yeast in check, which leads to more infections after the use of antibiotics.Before giving antibiotics to a child, consult with your doctor.
Step 16: If your nipples are red or sore, go to the doctor.
If this is an indication that you have a yeast infection on your nipples, you should see a doctor.Don't stop breastfeeding until you talk to your doctor.
Step 17: If you are pregnant, treat vaginal yeast infections.
If you fail to treat vaginal yeast infections during your pregnancies, you can end up with a baby with thrush.Inform your physician and OB-GYN if you have a vaginal yeast infection so the proper treatment steps can be taken to keep your baby safe.