Oral thrush happens when a yeast infection develops inside your mouth. Oral thrush most often occurs in infants and toddlers. It causes white or yellowish bumps to form on the inner cheeks and tongue. Those bumps usually go away with treatment. The infection is typically mild and rarely causes serious problems.

Thrush is a fungal yeast infection that can grow in your mouth, throat and other parts of your body. In your mouth thrush appears as a growth that can look like cottage cheese — white, raised lesions on your tongue and cheeks. The condition can quickly become irritated and cause mouth pain and redness. Thrush is caused by the overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida. Mouth and throat thrush is called oropharyngeal candidiasis. While thrush can affect anyone, babies under 1 month old, toddlers, older adults and people with weakened immune systems where symptoms can be harder to control are at more risk.

Diagnosis of thrush depends on the location and identifying whether there is an underlying cause. The goal of any oral thrush treatment is to stop the rapid spread of the fungus, but the best approach may depend on your age, your overall health and the cause of the infection. Eliminating underlying causes, when possible, can prevent recurrence. Thrush may return even after it's been treated if the underlying cause, such as poorly disinfected dentures or inhaled steroid use, isn't addressed. You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or pediatrician.

Oral thrush , also called oral candidiasis, is a yeast infection of the mouth. However, you may be able to manage bothersome symptoms with home remedies, too. Doctors often prescribe antifungal medications in the form of mouthwashes, pills, or lozenges. The following home remedies, used in addition to antifungal medications, may help relieve symptoms of the infection. Salt has antiseptic, cleansing, and soothing properties.