It can also occur in other places, such as the diaper area.
It is not dangerous and doesn’t always need to be treated.
A healthcare provider can prescribe an anti-fungal medication to help clear up a more severe case.
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It may also cause:
Awhite tonguealone does not mean that your baby has thrush.
Many babies have white tongues after drinking milk.
When you attempt to wipe them away, the sores may bleed.
Oral thrush will usually also have a red border around the white patch.
Thrush in babies doesn’t always appear just in the mouth, however.
Is Baby Thrush Serious?
Thrush in babies can be a nuisance, but it is not a serious condition.
However, since its symptoms can cause babies to refuse to eat, it may lead to dehydration.
A baby could also become infected with the yeast during childbirth.
Antibiotic Use
As antibiotics kill off harmful bacteria, they kill off healthy bacteria along with it.
Thus, the good bacteria that normally keep yeast in check die off, allowing thrush to grow.
This can lead to different types of yeast infections, including a yeast infection of the nipples.
Once this happens, its likely that the infection will pass on to a nursing babys mouth during feedings.
Childbirth
Though less common, thrush in babies can also occur during vaginal childbirth.
Diagnosis
Fortunately, thrush is quick and simple to diagnose.
Most pediatricians can identify it by looking in your babys mouth.
The velvety, white patches that cannot be wiped away are classic signs of thrush.
Occasionally, your healthcare provider may recommend scraping off a sample of the white patch for lab testing.
Your pediatrician may prescribe an antifungal medication to treat your childs infection.
This medication can be painted onto the sores in your babys mouth.
The healthcare provider could also recommend an oral antifungal prescription such as Diflucan (fluconazole).
Most cases of thrush in babies resolve within two weeks of starting treatment.
Probiotics help support the good bacteria, which keep yeast growth under control.
Talk with your pediatrician before beginning a supplement regimen for your infant.
If you are breastfeeding, hold off on starting any natural remedies until youve talked with your healthcare provider.
Antibiotic use and childbirth are the two main causes of baby thrush.
Thrush in babies usually isn’t serious and the condition may go away on its own.
A doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream.
Nursing mothers may also develop a yeast rash on their nipples.
Yes, oral thrush can be very uncomfortable and even painful for babies.
If your baby has thrush, they will likely be fussy and have difficulty feeding.
If the infection has spread to the esophagus, it may hurt to swallow.
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