Managing Oral Yeast Infections (Thrush) in Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjorgen's syndrome affects saliva production and causes dry mouth. This condition is the result of your immune system mistakenly attacking healthy glands and tissues. Your immune system is also weakened and cannot fight off harmful organisms as effectively as it should. The protective effects of saliva are compromised, leaving the mouth vulnerable to bacteria and infections. Oral yeast infections, known as thrush, are one of them. You can do several things to treat the infection, including medication, self-care and natural supplements.

Instructions

• 1

  Use oral antifungal medications. Take exactly as prescribed or the infection can return.

• 2

  Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Put 1/2 tsp. of salt in 1 cup of warm water. Swish around for a few seconds and spit. Do not swallow the mixture. You can do this several times a day.

• 3

  Eat unsweetened yogurt or take probiotic supplements as directed on the label to keep the infection from getting worse and to help your body replenish its supply of "friendly" bacteria.

• 4

  Take natural supplements that strengthen immunity and/or have antifungal properties. Use vitamin C (1,000mg daily) to strengthen immunity. Drink Pau d'arco tea for its antifungal properties; suggested dose is 3 to 6 cups daily. Eat a clove of garlic or take 4,000mg of a supplement daily. Using a tea tree oil mouthwash or pomegranate gel will kill bacteria in the mouth.