What Is Oral Thrush?
Oral thrush is a very common yeast infection in babies. It causes irritation in
and around a baby's mouth.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Oral Thrush?
Oral thrush (also called oral candidiasis) can affect anyone,
but is most common in babies younger than 6 months old and in older adults.
A baby with oral thrush might have cracked skin in the corners of the mouth or
white patches on the lips, tongue, or inside the cheeks that look a little like cottage
cheese but can't be wiped away.
Some babies may not feed well or are uncomfortable when sucking because their mouth
feels sore, but many babies don't feel any pain or discomfort.
What Causes Oral Thrush?
Oral thrush is caused by the overgrowth of a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida
albicans.
Most people (including infants) naturally have Candida in their mouths
and digestive tracts, which is considered normal growth. Usually, a healthy immune system and some
"good" bacteria control the amount of this fungus in
the body.
But if the immune system is weakened (from an illness or medicines like chemotherapy)
or not fully developed (as in babies), Candida in the digestive tract can
overgrow and lead to an infection. Candida overgrowth also causes diaper
rash and vaginal
yeast infections. Babies can have oral thrush and a diaper rash at the same time.
Candida overgrowth also can happen after a baby has been given antibiotics
for a bacterial infection because antibiotics can kill off the "good" bacteria that
keep the Candida from growing. Oral thrush also can happen after the use
of steroid medicines.
How Is Oral Thrush Treated?
See your doctor if you think your baby may have thrush. Some cases go away without
medical treatment within a week or two, but the doctor may prescribe an antifungal
solution for your baby's mouth. This medicine is usually applied several times a day
by "painting" it on the inside of the mouth and tongue with a sponge applicator.
Depending on your baby's age, the doctor also might suggest adding yogurt with
lactobacilli to your baby's diet. The lactobacilli are "good" bacteria that can help
get rid of the yeast in your child's mouth.
If your baby keeps getting oral thrush, especially if he or she is older than 9
months old, talk with your doctor because this might be a sign of another health issue.
Can Oral Thrush Be Prevented?
Oral thrush is a common infection in babies, but you can help prevent it:
- If you formula-feed your baby or use a pacifier, thoroughly clean the nipples
and pacifiers in hot water or a dishwasher after each use. That way, if there's yeast
on the bottle nipple or pacifier, your baby won't be reinfected. Store milk and prepared
bottles in the refrigerator to prevent yeast from growing.
- If you breastfeed and your nipples are red and sore, you might have a yeast infection
on your nipples, which you and your baby can pass back and forth. Talk to your doctor,
who might recommend using an antifungal ointment on your nipples while your baby is
treated with the antifungal solution.
To prevent diaper
rash, change diapers often.
