Oral Thrush (Candidal Stomatitis)
Oral thrush is a yeast (candida) infection of the mouth that causes white patches and soreness on the tongue, cheeks, or throat. It’s common in infants, denture wearers, and people with weakened immune systems or on certain medications, and uncomplicated cases can be assessed confidentially without an in-person exam.
Could It Be Oral Thrush?
- White or cream-coloured patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, or roof of the mouth
- Patches that may bleed slightly or reveal red, raw tissue underneath when wiped
- Soreness, burning, or a cotton-like feeling in the mouth
- Loss of taste or discomfort with eating or swallowing
- Cracking or redness at the corners of the mouth
- Redness or irritation under dentures that don’t fit well or aren’t cleaned regularly
Treatment
- Nystatin oral suspension (an antifungal “swish and swallow” or “swish and spit” liquid) to treat the yeast infection directly in the mouth
- Guidance on proper application (swishing for the full recommended time before swallowing or spitting) for best results
- Advice on denture hygiene, and treating dentures alongside the mouth to prevent reinfection
- Guidance on reducing risk factors, such as rinsing after using an inhaled corticosteroid
- Ontario pharmacists can assess and prescribe directly for uncomplicated oral thrush
How it works
Three steps to feeling better.
- Share your symptoms
Complete a short, secure assessment about what you’re experiencing — on your time, from anywhere.
- Pharmacist reviews and prescribes
A licensed Ontario pharmacist reviews your assessment and prescribes appropriate treatment when indicated.
- Treatment ships free
Your prescription is dispensed and delivered to your door in discreet packaging — no extra charge.
Why Rumini
Built for moments like this.
When you need help quickly and privately, these are the things that matter most.
Complete discretion
Your assessment, your prescription, and your delivery are handled with full privacy — PHIPA compliant at every step.
Fast from start to door
Start now, get your assessment reviewed quickly, and receive your medication with free same-province delivery.
Support when you need it
Our care team is available 7 days a week. Questions before, during, or after treatment — we’re here.
No clinic visit required
Ontario pharmacists are authorized to prescribe for uncomplicated UTIs. Skip the waiting room entirely.
Trust and credentials
A licensed Ontario Pharmacy.
Rumini operates under the full oversight of Ontario's regulatory framework for pharmacy practice.
OCP registration
#311091
Role
Pharmacist of Record
Location
45–2355 Derry Rd E, Mississauga, ON
Privacy standard
PHIPA compliant
Frequently Asked Questions.
What causes oral thrush?
An overgrowth of candida, a yeast that’s normally present in small amounts in the mouth. It can flare up due to a weakened immune system, antibiotic use, inhaled corticosteroids, dentures, dry mouth, diabetes, or in infants whose immune systems are still developing.
How is oral thrush treated?
A prescription antifungal oral suspension (nystatin) applied directly in the mouth for a set number of days, along with denture hygiene and addressing any contributing risk factors. Ontario’s minor ailments program allows pharmacists to assess and prescribe directly for uncomplicated cases.
How long until symptoms improve?
Most people notice improvement within a few days of starting treatment, with symptoms typically clearing within 1 to 2 weeks. It’s important to complete the full course even if symptoms improve early, to prevent the infection from returning.
Is oral thrush contagious?
It can pass between a breastfeeding parent and infant, or through shared items like bottles, pacifiers, or utensils. It’s not typically spread through casual contact in otherwise healthy adults, but good hygiene around shared feeding items is still recommended.
Can oral thrush come back?
Yes, especially if an underlying cause (like ill-fitting dentures, inhaled corticosteroid use, or dry mouth) isn’t addressed. Denture hygiene, rinsing the mouth after inhaler use, and managing any underlying health conditions all help reduce recurrence.
When should I seek in-person care instead?
Seek in-person care for difficulty or pain swallowing, white patches that spread down the throat or into the esophagus, symptoms that don’t improve after a full course of treatment, frequent or recurring thrush without a clear cause, or thrush in someone with a significantly weakened immune system.