A fungal mouth infection caused by an overgrowth of a yeast
- Most common under 1 year of age
- Gender, genetics, and lifestyle are not significant factors
Oral thrush is a common fungal infection in the first year of life. It produces white spots inside the mouth and may make a baby reluctant to feed. The infection is caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a yeast naturally present in the mouth. The reason for the overgrowth is often unknown.
What are the symptoms?
In most cases, the symptoms of oral thrush include the following:
Creamy white spots in the mouth that are difficult to rub off.
Sore mouth that may make a baby reluctant to feed.
Oral thrush may be associated with a candida infection in the nappy area (see Nappy rash).
What might be done?
If you think your baby has oral thrush, you should arrange for him or her to see a doctor within 48 hours. The doctor will examine your baby’s mouth and may take a mouth swab to check for Candida albicans. He or she may prescribe antifungal drops and, to prevent reinfection if you breast-feed, an antifungal cream for your nipples (see Preparations for skin infections and infestations). If you bottle-feed your baby, all the equipment should be thoroughly sterilized. Oral thrush often improves within days of starting treatment and clears up within a week, but the infection may recur.
From the 2010 revision of the Complete Home Medical Guide © Dorling Kindersley Limited.
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