Thrush in children typically refers to an oral infection that’s most common in toddlers and babies. More specifically, thrush in babies is a fungal infection that may grow in the throat and mouth. Oral candidiasis may lead to the development of white, cottage cheese-like spots and lesions on the cheeks and tongue. These raised spots are usually irritated, which may cause redness or pain.
If your newborn is experiencing baby thrush, and you are looking for options for general pediatric care in Plantation and Doral, Florida, rest assured that Worldwide Pediatrics can help assess your child’s symptoms and recommend the ideal treatment method to eliminate this fungal infection as fast as possible.
About Thrush in Children
Typically, oral thrush can affect anyone at any age, but the following groups are at the highest risk:
- Toddlers
- Babies less than a month old
- The elderly and people with a weak immune system
Symptoms of Oral Thrush in Toddlers
Usually, these white spots develop suddenly, and these creamy white lesions are the first apparent sign of oral thrush, generally forming on the inner cheeks and the tongue. Somemites, thrush in children may develop around the gums, the roof of the mouth, the back of the throat, or the tonsils.
Other symptoms of thrush in a baby’s mouth may include:
- Fever, if the infection spreads
- Difficulty swallowing (if extended to the esophagus)
- Toddlers may complain that they have a loss of sense of taste
- A cottony feeling in the child’s mouth
- The lesions cause pain and bleeding when scraped
For the most part, Candida yeast is the culprit that causes oral thrush in toddlers. It only causes issues when the fungus grows out of control. This may happen in the following instances – if the child:
- was given antibiotics
- uses pacifiers frequently
- has a weak immune system
- inhaled corticosteroid medication, for example, to treat asthma
It’s also important to note that baby thrush can become contagious if you have a weak immune system. If you are healthy, you or your other children won’t get infected through close contact or kissing your baby or toddler.
That said, if you are worried about your baby or toddler transmitting thrush to other children, ensure that they don’t come into contact with the toddler’s saliva. It’s also essential to encourage frequent handwashing.
Risk Factors
Generally, oral thrush in toddlers and babies is more common in those babies who:
- had very low weight at birth
- passed through the birth canal while the mother had active yeast infections
- have taken antibiotics
- have a weak immune system
- use pacifiers often
Diagnosing Thrush in Babies
When visiting your provider, the pediatrician will probably ask about the symptoms your child is producing and their medical history. They will also perform a physical exam, i.e., thoroughly examining the lesions to establish a diagnosis.
They may also lightly brush the lesions to see whether the area will bleed slightly or become red. In cases where the thrush has spread to the esophagus, the pediatrician might also take a cotton swab test from the throat.
Treating Oral Thrush in Toddlers
For the most part, adequate treatment for oral thrush will depend on your child’s general health and age. Similarly, treatment will also depend on the severity of the infection.
In milder cases, if your baby’s healthy, pediatricians might not even recommend any treatment, as the infection will resolve on its own. They will most likely advise using liquid antifungal compounds in more severe instances. These solutions are usually given through droppers, into the baby’s mouth. For older children, the pediatrician may prescribe oral pills to eliminate the fungus.
Also, it’s important to note that breastfeeding mommies may also develop thrush in their nipples. In these cases, both the child and mother will receive some form of treatment to prevent the infection from being passed back and forth; therapy for the mother may include oral antifungal medicine or ointment that should be applied to the infected area.
Also, it’s essential to disinfect and sterilize (boil) bottle nipples, pacifiers, and toys that your baby may put in their mouth following each use. This will minimize the risk of recurring infections.
Home tips:
- If your baby/toddler has bottle nipples or pacifiers, boil them for at least five to ten minutes following each use.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after caring for your toddler or baby. Also, wash or have your child wash their hands often.
- Ensure to wash drinking cups with soap and warm water following every use.
Can You Prevent Thrush in Toddlers?
Apart from the things mentioned above, there are a few more things you can do to prevent these infections. For example, if your child inhales corticosteroids, make sure that they rinse their mouth after using the medicine. Consider asking your pediatrician about using spacers on inhalers, which may help lessen thrush risks.
On the other hand, reach out to your child’s pediatrician if the symptoms persist or worsen. Also, contact the doctor if your child has new symptoms or stops drinking and eating.
Lastly, if your child is younger than three months and has a fever of over 38°C (100.4°F), it can be a sign of a more severe infection that requires immediate medical assistance.
Key Points
- Thrush infections are rather common infections in children and babies. For the most part, it’s not a severe medical issue in healthy children and may be effectively treated with antifungal compounds.
- The infection is called the Candida fungus, which naturally occurs in the mouth and on the skin. It only causes problems when it starts growing out of control.
- Thrush in a baby’s mouth can be easily spotted as white, creamy, or yellow lesions that form on the inner cheeks or the tongue. These patches may cause pain and bleed easily.
- Some babies don’t experience pain with thrush, while others become so fussy that they refuse to feed and may also find swallowing difficult.
- Mothers who are breastfeeding their infected children may develop the same fungal problems on their nipples. In these cases, both the mother and the child will receive treatment.
- Healthy babies and toddlers with mild cases of thrush may not be treated. On the other hand, more severe issues will be addressed with the proper antifungal medicine.
- Disinfect and boil bottle nipples, pacifiers, or the toys your child often puts in their mouth.
Opt for Expert Pediatric Help
As you can see, oral thrush usually won’t cause any severe problems. Still, if you see that your baby or toddler is dealing with oral thrush, it’s natural that you want expert care to help your child get through this infection.
Rest assured – our compassionate and expert pediatrics team is here to help you with advice and/or effective treatment. Contact us today if you have any questions or concerns regarding oral thrush in babies.
