Introduction of Oral Thrush in babies and children

Thrush is consider as common infection in infants and it is generally caused by the Candida yeast. It causes a white coating inside the mouth of a baby or infant. This white coating, unlike the formula or breast milk, cannot be easily removed and it doesn’t go away between feedings.

Thrush generally does not cause any discomfort or feeding problem but the thrush can make irritation in rare cases that will interrupt the breastfeeding. The Candida yeast can also cause vaginal infections and diaper rashes. In children or newborn, the oral thrush can also be called as Oropharyngeal Candidiasis.

Symptoms of Oral Thrush in babies and children

Thrush is one of the infections that needs treatment and may not go with its own. Although sometimes painful, the most common feature in infant is having white patches coating inside the mouth. You can notice these patches either inside the cheeks, on the tongue, on the roof of baby’s mouth and on its lips and gums as it spreads rapidly.

Babies cannot complain and therefore there may not be any symptoms other than babies leave feeding (rarely). All you need to do is noticing or examining the child’s mouth on the regular basis. This is important because your baby will not speak for that and the diagnose will depend on you.

This white patch is not like a breastmilk that can be wiped off easily. If you try for that, the local area may bleed and can turn into more severe form – an ulcer.

Prevention and cure of oral Thrush in babies and children

Thrush can easily be treated by supplying vitamins to a baby. Lactus bacillus may help to heal these patches. Another alternative could be the gentian violet but this is considered as old way to treat oral thrush.

Breastfeeding mothers should known that their babies may get yeast infections on their breasts and nipples, which may cause pain while breastfeeding. You need to sterilize the baby’s accessories such as bottle, nipple, toys etc. They can be the transporters for yeast infections.

Hygiene is very important as babies are to be given proper bath on regular basis. Babies’ mouth, tongue and oral cavity should be clean. The vitamins are to be supplied regularly and no any other food is to be given without asking pediatrician.
Ayurveda believes that thrush can be due to the constipation and indigestion in the baby. Babies are therefore given a little dose of herb called haritaki. Ayurveda also favors giving the ghee (butter oil) in the little quantity so the baby’s digestive power is lightened up. Some of the Ayurvedic scholars suggest to go for little quantity of curd or butter-milk for healing the oral thrush.

Some naturopaths suggest applying the glycerin to the affected area as glycerin heals these oral thrush. In some older children, green leafy vegetables and enough roughage so that the child is supplied by fiber that can relieve the constipation and so the oral thrush.