Oral thrush

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When to see the doctor

Go to the doctor if:

• you see white patches on the inside of your child’s mouth
• your child is generally unwell or has a fever for no apparent reason
• despite appropriate treatment, your child suffers from recurrent or persistent thrush infections.

What causes it?

Thrush of the throat, tongue and lining of the mouth is caused by a fungus, or yeast, called Candida albicans, which normally lives in the body. If there is a disruption in the balance of organisms, the thrush organisms begin to multiply and produce an infection. This may be a result of treatment with antibiotics, which destroys normal bacteria in the bowel, and allows the thrush organisms to flourish.

Thrush can also be picked up during passage down the mother’s vagina at birth. If thrush organisms are present on anything that the baby sucks, such as a nipple, teat or pacifier, the baby may develop an oral infection.
Children who have a weak immune system for whatever reason are also more prone to developing thrush infections. But if your baby has thrush it does not necessarily mean that they have poor immunity.

Thrush does not spread from child to child.

What are the symptoms?

Usually babies and young children with oral thrush are unaware of it, as it generally does not irritate them, unless the areas involved become severely inflamed. If this does occur, babies may be reluctant to feed and toddlers may play with or refuse their meals. Parents may notice that their child has white patches or plaques on the inside of the cheeks, lips and tongue.

How is it treated?

Your doctor will usually prescribe special drops or an oral gel to be used after each feed or meal for 10 days. All teats and pacifiers should be sterilised after each use to kill the thrush organisms. Sometimes oral thrush is accompanied by thrush in the nappy region, which needs treatment at the same time. Thrush is not a reason to stop breastfeeding. Your doctor may advise you to apply some antifungal cream to your nipples as well. This should be washed off before feeding.

How can I prevent it?

Teats and bottles should be sterilised after each use to prevent recurrent thrush.

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