Oral thrush in babies
Causes of oral thrush in babies
Oral thrush is caused by a yeast fungus called Candida albicans.
Healthy people have this fungus in their mouths and it doesn't normally cause problems. But it can overgrow and infect the membranes inthe mouth.
Babies are at an increased risk of oral thrush because their immune systems haven't yet fully developed and are less able to resist infection. This is particularly the case with babies born prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy).
Oral thrush can also affect babies if they've recently been treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics reduce the levels of healthy bacteria in your baby's mouth, which can allow fungus levels to increase.
If you're breastfeeding and have been taking antibiotics for an infection, your own levels of healthy bacteria in your body can be affected. This can also make you prone to a thrush infection that may then be passed to your baby during breastfeeding.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about oral thrush in babies and young children, a fungal infection in the mouth that's usually harmless and easily treatable
Signs of oral thrush in babies
The main sign of oral thrush is a white coating on your baby's tongue, although there may also be white patches elsewhere in the mouth. This coating may look like curd or cottage cheese and usually c
When to seek medical advice
Oral thrush in babies isn't usually serious, but you shouldvisit your GP if you think your child may have the condition. You can also ask your health visitor for advice or call NHS 111 . If there's a
Causes of oral thrush in babies
Oral thrush is caused by a yeast fungus called Candida albicans. Healthy people have this fungus in their mouths and it doesn't normally cause problems. But it can overgrow and infect the membranes i
Treating oral thrush in babies
If your GP or health visitor feels your baby needs treatment, they'll probably prescribe an antifungal medicine. The two main antifungal medicines used to treat oral thrush in babiesare: miconazole
Advice for breastfeeding mothers
If your baby has oral thrush and you're breastfeeding, it's possible for your baby to pass a thrush infection to you. This can affect your nipples or breasts and cause nipple thrush. Symptoms of nipp
Preventing oral thrush in babies
It's not clear whether it's possible to prevent oral thrush in babies. Some doctors suggest the following advice may help: sterilise dummies regularly, as well as any toys that your baby puts in the
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