Thrush treatment available online today

In order to treat your thrush, consult with one of our board-certified doctors today to prescribe antifungals to treat thrush lesions, if you qualify. Get a new prescription to treat thrush or refill an existing prescription today.*

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Learn how to take preventive measures

Antifungal medication available with prescription

Complete full course for effective results

*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of thrush. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Learn about thrush

Thrush is a type of fungal (yeast) infection. Most commonly, thrush affects the mouth and throat. Although oral thrush can affect anyone, it's more likely to occur in younger children and older adults.

In the mouth, thrush starts as a growth inside the mouth that resembles cottage cheese. If left unchecked, oral thrush can spread to the other parts of the body, such as the gums, tonsil, throat, and esophagus.

Thrush can quickly become irritated, leading to mouth pain, redness, and soreness. Oral thrush is highly treatable in healthy adults, but for people with weakened immune systems, it may be more difficult to control.

Thrush causes

  • Thrush is caused by the overgrowth of Candida fungus (Candida albicans). Normally, the immune system works to maintain a balance between "good" and "bad" microbes in the body. Sometimes, "bad" microbes grow out of control, and the overgrowth of Candida can lead to a fungal infection.

    Several factors can also increase your risk of oral candidiasis (oral Candida infection), such as a weakened immune system, vaginal yeast infection, and other oral conditions.

Thrush symptoms

Most people develop oral thrush suddenly. The most common symptom of oral thrush is raised white lesions in the mouth. Lesions can also appear on the roof of your mouth, inside your cheeks, on your gums, or on the back of your throat.

  • Other symptoms of thrush include:

    • Redness and irritation inside your mouth

    • White patches that can be wiped off, leaving behind red areas that may bleed

    • Cracking around the corners of your mouth

    • A loss of the ability to taste or an unpleasant taste in your mouth

    • A dry sensation or burning feeling in your mouth

    If the infection spreads to your esophagus (esophageal candidiasis), you may also experience throat pain and difficulty swallowing. People who smoke and wear dentures are more prone to developing oral thrush.

How to treat thrush

Thrush is commonly treated with antifungal medications. In most cases, you'll need to take antifungal medication for 10–14 days to clear up oral thrush. Your doctor will choose the best method to treat mouth thrush depending on your age, specific symptoms, and the underlying cause of your oral candidiasis. Oral Candida infection may also indicate other medical conditions, which may require additional medical treatment. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms to determine the best treatment approach to treat oral thrush.

Thrush medication

The most commonly prescribed medications to treat mouth thrush are:

How to prevent thrush

It's possible to prevent oral thrush by following preventive measures, such as:

  • Practicing good oral hygiene. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.

  • Avoiding certain mouthwashes or sprays. Perfumed mouthwashes can disrupt the balance of "good" and "bad" microbes in your mouth and throat.

  • Visiting your dentist for regular six-month cleanings.

  • Reducing the sugar and yeast-containing foods in your diet.

Smoking can exacerbate Candida infections. If you need help quitting smoking, Our board-certified primary care doctors can help you to develop a treatment plan.

When to see a doctor for thrush

As soon as you see white lesions inside the mouth, see your doctor or dentist. You can make an appointment with one of our board-certified doctors online if these symptoms are present.

Thrush treatment FAQs

  • How long does thrush take to be cured?

    Thrush should clear up within 7–14 days of starting antifungal treatment. Even if your symptoms improve, it's important to follow the full course of treatment as recommended by your health care provider.

  • Does stress cause thrush?

    Yes, stress can cause oral thrush. When illnesses, stress, or medications disturb the balance of Candida fungus, the fungus grows out of control and causes thrush.

  • What can aggravate thrush?

    Certain medications, such as prednisone and inhaled corticosteroids, can disrupt the "good" and "bad" balance of microbes in the body, leading to the overgrowth of Candida.

    Other oral conditions that can aggravate thrush include:

    • Wearing dentures, especially upper dentures

    • Conditions that cause dry mouth, such as diabetes

  • Who can get thrush?

    Anyone can get thrush, but certain people are more prone to getting the infection. These people include:

    • Older adults

    • People taking antibiotics

    • People who take inhaled steroid medicines

    • People with weak immune systems

    • Infants

  • What should you not do if you have thrush?

    After developing oral thrush, you should avoid using perfumed soaps, shower gels, and other products that can irritate your skin. It's best to avoid having sex until you've completed a course of antifungal treatment and your infection has cleared up.

  • Is thrush contagious?

    Oral thrush is not contagious in healthy people. In healthy people, it is unusual to contract thrush from person to person. If you have a weakened immune system, however, it can be contagious and passed on by kissing or other close contacts.

    In most cases, thrush is not considered contagious but can be transmitted when you have a weak immune system or are taking certain types of medications.

    Oral thrush is a fungal infection specific to that person and can be treated with antifungal medications. In the event a woman has a vaginal infection caused by thrush, it can be passed onto the baby. For people with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS, thrush can lead to more serious systemic infections by spreading to other parts of the body.

3 simple steps to request treatment for thrush today

Step 1

Book a thrush treatment appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your thrush symptoms.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3

Pick up a prescription to treat thrush.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

Related conditions to thrush

Thrush treatment pricing details

How pricing works

To request thrush treatment and get a new prescription or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits

Paying with insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

Copay

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

  • We accept these insurance plans and many more:

    • Humana
    • Aetna
    • United Healthcare

Paying without insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

$129

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.

Book an appointment

If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.

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PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.