Oral Thrush In Babies

A yeast called candida causes an infection called thrush. The common site for candida to cause infection is the mouth, which is called oral thrush. The vagina, nappy area, and nail folds are the other common sites for thrush to develop.

In about 1 in 7 babies, a bout of oral thrush develops at some point. A few of them suffer from recurrent bouts of oral thrush.

This infection is mainly observed in babies under 10 weeks of age and also in older ones. Oral thrush in infants is not caused by poor oral hygiene, and it typically does not indicate that your kid is ill in any other way.

What Causes Oral Thrush in Babies?

• A few harmless Candida organisms are frequently found in a healthy mouth and on healthy skin.
• However, the overgrowth of candida in the mouth can cause oral thrush in babies.
• If the infant recently completed an antibiotic course, this could also be a reason why they may have oral thrush.
• The antibiotics have the potential to eradicate beneficial bacteria present in the mouth, which aids in reducing the amount of candida in a baby's mouth.
• If there are fewer beneficial bacteria, Candida overgrowth may occur.
• In addition, the healthy bacteria levels can be affected if the mother is breastfeeding and has recently been on antibiotics.
• This can make the mother and the baby more likely to develop thrush.

Symptoms of Oral Thrush in Babies:

• White spots or patches may combine to form more prominent, larger spots called plaques, which turn yellow or grey and resemble painful cottage cheese-like lesions (spots) in the baby's mouth and on the tongue.
• As a result, some infants may dribble saliva or fail to eat properly due to pain.
• If the mother is breastfeeding, there is a chance of the baby passing on thrush infection from their mouth to the mother's nipples which can be very painful.
• Cracked, painful, or occasionally red and glossy nipples are possible.
• If you suspect that you may have a nipple thrush infection, seek medical help.
• The doctor may suggest some cream to apply to the nipples to clear up the infection.

Treatment for Oral Thrush In Babies:

• Infants with mild episodes of oral thrush usuinally only experience symptoms for a few days or less and often resolve independently.
• If treatment is started, an anti-thrush gel medicine is usually prescribed by the Paediatrician.
• The gel is to be smeared using a clean finger onto the affected areas in your baby's mouth as prescribed by your Paediatrician.
• Instructions are to be followed carefully. The gel should be used after feeding the baby.
• Apply a little at a time, keeping it away from the back of the throat to reduce the minor chance of choking.
• The medication eliminates the candidal microbes that are present in the baby's mouth.
• Even after the thrush is cleared, the treatment prescribed by the Paediatrician should be continued for two days.
• If the thrush has not cleared after seven days, see your Paediatrician again.

How to Prevent Oral Thrush

There is no reason why most oral thrush attacks occur in infants. Some of the tips to prevent oral thrush episodes are:

• All dummies and mouth toys used by your baby should be regularly sterilized.
• If you bottle-feed, regularly sterilize all feeding equipment, especially teats.

Frequently Asked Questions