See a clinician or dentist if symptoms persist beyond 7–14 days, are severe, recur often, or if you have diabetes, HIV, cancer, or take inhaled/oral steroids or antibiotics
Brush teeth and tongue gently at least twice daily with a soft toothbrush
Floss daily
Rinse your mouth after meals and before bed with water or a non-alcohol mouthwash
Use antifungal treatment as prescribed (common options include nystatin suspension or clotrimazole troches)
Avoid homemade remedies that can irritate the mouth (for example, undiluted vinegar or harsh antiseptics)
If you use inhaled corticosteroids, rinse and gargle with water after each use and spit out the rinse
Replace or clean dentures daily; remove dentures at night
Clean dentures thoroughly and disinfect as directed; replace denture materials if needed
Avoid smoking and vaping
Limit alcohol-containing mouthwashes
Reduce sugar intake and avoid sugary drinks and snacks while symptoms are present
Maintain good blood sugar control if you have diabetes
Review medications with your clinician if you frequently use antibiotics or inhaled steroids
Discard and replace old toothbrushes after starting treatment
If you have dryness, use saliva substitutes or stay well hydrated
Check for contributing issues such as iron, folate, or vitamin B12 deficiency if advised by a clinician
Treat underlying causes and partner infections if applicable (for example, genital yeast infection)