Oral thrush in babies

Introduction

Oral thrush in babies and young children is a fungal infection in the mouth that's usually harmless and easily treatable.

Although babies and young children are particularly at risk, oral thrush can also affect adults. Read about:

Thrush, oral - adults

This topic covers:

Signs of oral thrush

When to seek medical advice

Causes of oral thrush

Treating oral thrush

Advice for breastfeeding mothers

Preventing oral thrush

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Jul 2016

Articles for oral thrush in babies

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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