Canker Sores
Canker sores are small, painful ulcers that form inside the mouth. Unlike cold sores, they are not contagious and are not caused by a virus.
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Oral Thrush
What is Oral Thrush?
Oral thrush is a mouth yeast infection caused by Candida albicans. It causes pain and inflammation, often in infants and young children, and can complicate in those with weakened immune systems. We all carry this yeast and it can be found on the skin, in the mouth, in the gastrointestinal tract (gut) and in the vagina.
Unsure if you have Oral Thrush?
Your pharmacist can assess your symptoms, write and fill prescription treatment or recommend OTC products.
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Tips on Preventing Oral Thrush
Brush Up
Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day.
Replace Brushes
Replace your toothbrush after an oral thrush infection.
Rinse or Brush
Rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after using a corticosteroid inhaler.
Rinse Out
If you take liquid antibiotics, rinse your mouth out afterwards.
Stay Hydrated
Drink lots of water throughout the day, ideally between 6 and 8 glasses.
Clean Dentures
If you wear dentures, make sure to clean them regularly and remove them overnight.
Other Common Conditions We Can Help With
Cold Sores
The viruses that cause cold sores lie dormant until triggered by factors such as stress. Cold sores can be painful and cause unsightly sores on your lips and around your nose.
Learn More
Heartburn and Indigestion
Heartburn and indigestion often occur together. Prolonged abdominal pain can cause long-term harm, but it can be prevented.
Learn More
Yeast Infections
Vaginitis is the inflammation of the vaginal lining, causing discharge, odour, irritation, and itching. It can result from infections or imbalances and affects people of all ages.
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
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Getting rid of oral thrush usually requires antifungal medication prescribed or recommended by a pharmacist or doctor. Common treatments include nystatin oral suspension, miconazole oral gel, or clotrimazole lozenges, which are used for 7–14 days depending on the severity. Alongside medication, maintaining good oral hygiene — brushing twice daily, rinsing after inhaler use, and staying hydrated — helps speed recovery and prevent recurrence.
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Oral thrush is only mildly contagious. Casual contact such as sharing a drink or kissing rarely causes thrush in a healthy adult whose immune system and normal oral bacteria keep Candida in check. However, the yeast can be passed between breastfeeding mothers and infants — if one is diagnosed, both should be treated at the same time to prevent re-infection.
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Oral thrush is treated with antifungal medications — most commonly nystatin suspension (swish and swallow), miconazole oral gel, or clotrimazole lozenges. A Rexall Pharmacist can assess your symptoms and recommend or prescribe the most appropriate option for your situation. Addressing any underlying contributing factors, such as switching inhaler technique or managing blood sugar, is also an important part of a complete treatment plan.
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Thrush in babies is an oral yeast infection caused by Candida albicans that appears as white or cream-coloured patches inside the mouth, on the tongue, or on the inner cheeks. It is very common in infants under two months old and can make feeding uncomfortable. If you suspect your baby has thrush, speak with a Rexall Pharmacist or your baby’s doctor — antifungal treatment is safe and effective for newborns and infants.
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Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection of the mouth caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans yeast. It appears as creamy white or yellowish patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, tonsils, and the roof of the mouth. These patches can typically be scraped off, leaving behind a red, sore area that may bleed slightly. While the infection is common and treatable, it can cause discomfort and should be addressed promptly.
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Oral thrush typically appears as creamy white or slightly yellow, raised patches inside the mouth that resemble cottage cheese or curdled milk. These patches most often develop on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, tonsils, or the roof of the mouth. When the patches are wiped or scraped away, they leave a red, raw, and sometimes bleeding surface underneath. In some cases, the corners of the mouth may also appear cracked or sore.
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Oral thrush develops when the natural balance of microorganisms in the mouth is disrupted, allowing Candida yeast to multiply unchecked. Common triggers include taking antibiotics (which reduce protective bacteria), using inhaled corticosteroids without rinsing afterward, having a weakened immune system, living with uncontrolled diabetes, or wearing dentures that don’t fit properly. Newborns can acquire thrush during birth if the mother has a vaginal yeast infection.
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Oral thrush is caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a yeast that lives naturally in the mouth. Factors that upset the normal microbial balance — such as antibiotic use, inhaled corticosteroids, poorly controlled diabetes, dry mouth, weakened immunity, or ill-fitting dentures — can allow this yeast to proliferate. Finding and addressing the underlying cause is an important part of treatment, not just clearing the current infection. A Rexall Pharmacist can help identify contributing factors and recommend a personalized plan — Book Consultation today.
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Yes — a Rexall Pharmacist can assess your symptoms, identify likely contributing factors, and write prescription antifungal treatment for oral thrush, if appropriate. They can also recommend supportive products, advise on oral hygiene strategies to prevent recurrence, and refer you to a physician if needed. Book Consultation at your nearest Rexall to get started.