Thrush is essentially a yeast infection in the mouth. It has a number of telltale characteristics, including:
Symptoms of newborn thrush are often confused with those caused by having a milky tongue. Instead of white patches scattered throughout the mouth, it’s a creamy, white coating appearing on your baby’s tongue after breastfeeding. But this layer of curdled milk can simply be wiped away to reveal a healthy, pink tongue underneath.
In cases of oral thrush, it’s far more difficult to remove the white patches which are probably covering a red, inflamed tongue below.
So just how do babies get thrush despite all the marvels of modern medicine? As your child comes through the birth canal during delivery, they’ll pick up some of the fungi normally found there.
In fact, fungus can live on the surface of your newborn’s skin, and even mouth, without erupting into thrush. The condition only arises when certain environmental changes allow candida fungi, which produces thrush in babies, to proliferate. These factors include:
Left unchecked, the infection can dig in deeper and cause major discomfort for your little one. Feeding becomes something they dread because of the painful sores in their mouth. How can you help eliminate this nuisance?
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Although those pesky white patches sometimes disappear within a couple of weeks, it’s wise to see your pediatrician just in case. They may prescribe an antifungal gel that must be applied several times a day. It should be placed on your baby’s tongue, the roof of their mouth, and inside their cheeks.
Should the infection be more serious, the doctor might choose to prescribe a liquid antifungal medication. You would then feed your child each dose using a dropper.
You’re well aware of the benefits of breastfeeding, but you’re thinking about stopping your baby from suckling while they have thrush.
Breast milk is a vital source of nutrition for infants, but there’s always a chance of contracting thrush via the nipples. Yeast colonizes the area, creating cracks in the nipples, along with pain, itchiness, and flaking during and after breastfeeding.
It’s recommended that you and your baby get concurrent courses of treatment to avoid passing the infection back and forth. There’s no need for concern about medication contaminating your breast milk as the doctor will provide a safe topical ointment for your nipples.
In the event of a natural birth, there’s no way to keep your newborn from coming into contact with fungi. But with proper care, you can reduce their likelihood of developing oral thrush.
Whenever you spot suspicious white patches in your little one’s mouth, try to determine whether it’s just milk residue or a symptom of oral thrush. If it’s the latter, be sure to consult your pediatrician and begin medical treatment for your baby right away.
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