Oral Thrush

By Jill Feilmeier on February 28, 2013 in Kid's Health

Mother laying on bed with her little baby in her arms

As a new mother, the responsibility of caring for another human life can be overwhelming. Once immune to the fear of germs, the health of your child has caused you to be very aware of any surface with sickness-causing potential. When I was a new mother, I worried for my child's health every day!

You can imagine then, the fear that might come along with a very common infection: oral thrush.

Oral thrush is common newborn babies and people who have compromised immune systems. Oral thrush is most easily described as a yeast infection of the mucus membrane lining the mouth and tongue. It is normally not painful or harmful to your child but you should be aware of the causes, symptoms and treatment:

Common Causes:

Being very old or very young (thrush is most common in infants)
Having an HIV infection or AIDS
Long-term use or high dose antibiotics
Taking steroid medications
High blood sugar levels

Symptoms:

whitish, velvety sores in the mouth and on the tongue
Difficulty swallowing
Soreness during suckling
Fever

Treatment:

In infants, Thrush usually clears on its own within 2 weeks
Eating yogurt
Taking over-the-counter acidophilus capsules
Use a soft toothbrush
If you have a severe case of oral thrush your doctor may prescribe stronger medication

While seeing the symptoms in your child can easily start your worry engine, it is likely that this infection is harmless and will pass on its own. If you are worried or concerned for your child, contact your doctor for advice.