Oral thrush in babies: signs, symptoms and prevention

Oral thrush in babies is a common yeast infection in the mouth, usually caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans. Many breastfed babies get thrush as do their mothers. Learn how babies get oral thrush, how it’s different from white milk tongue, and how to prevent reinfection.

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What is oral thrush in babies?

How do babies get oral thrush?

What are the symptoms of oral thrush in babies?

What does oral thrush and milk tongue look like in a baby?

What causes milk tongue?

What should I do if my baby has oral thrush?

Can I prevent oral thrush?

What are some hygiene tips to stop the spread of Candida albicans?

What is oral thrush in babies?

Oral thrush is caused by a yeast infection, typically from the overgrowth of Candida albicans, a naturally occurring fungus that lives in our bodies. When yeast cultures are off-balance with the healthy bacteria in our body, Candida can live on breasts, nipples, breast milk, and in a baby’s mouth. The infection often occurs in babies because their skin is not yet well-developed with healthy bacteria, or they have a weakened immune system.

How do babies get oral thrush?

Babies can get oral thrush in different ways. Because the yeast Candida albicans can live on your breasts, in your nipples or in your breast milk, it’s easy to pass on to your baby through feeding and other sources. Some newborns are infected during birth when Candida spreads from the vagina, but other sources can include objects your baby places in their mouth like hands, bottle teats or teething rings, if they are not properly cleaned and sterilized.

Generally, yeast infections are harmless but oral thrush symptoms can be uncomfortable, so seeking care from your doctor or lactation consultant early on will improve you and your baby’s breastfeeding experience.

What are the symptoms of oral thrush in babies?

The symptoms of oral thrush in babies can be easily recognized. If your baby has a thrush infection, you may notice white spots in your baby’s mouth that cannot be wiped away. The spots might look like whitish-gray patches resembling milk curds on your baby’s cheeks, gums and tongue. Some babies experience little discomfort during oral thrush, while others’ mouths become inflamed and painful. You may notice your baby is fussy or less interested during breastfeeding because of the irritation.

It’s also possible for your baby to pass thrush on to your nipples, and vice versa. If you notice irritation, redness, or shooting pain in your nipples, you may have a thrush infection, too.

What does oral thrush and milk tongue look like in a baby?

Oral thrush and milk tongue in a baby can look similar since both can cause a white tongue. But with oral thrush, not only the tongue is affected but the inner lips, the gums, the back of the throat, or the palate. Unlike milk tongue; the white patches from oral thrush cannot be wiped off.

Here are some pictures of oral thrush and milk tongue to distinguish whether your baby is experiencing a healthy white coating or a yeast infection.

What causes milk tongue?

Newborns often have a white coating on their tongue, especially after feeding, called "milk tongue." Milk tongue is caused by an all-milk diet and underdeveloped salivation, leaving milk residue. This residue can be easily removed with a damp cloth. When your baby has reached the age of 5 - 6 months, a milk coating usually no longer forms on the tongue.

What should I do if my baby has oral thrush?

If your baby has oral thrush, reach out to your doctor or healthcare provider for treatment options. Doctors often prescribe an anti-fungal treatment for both you and your baby, as it’s easy for mothers and babies to pass thrush to one another. If the yeast infection is recognized early on, the treatment of oral thrush can be completed within days. Your doctor may also recommend diet changes, such as no sugar, to improve your immune system. You can also continue to breastfeed during a thrush infection.

Can I prevent oral thrush?

Oral thrush cannot always be prevented, but with simple hygiene measures, you can help reduce the risk of infection and reinfection in you and your baby. While it may be uncomfortable to breastfeed if you are also infected, it’s safe to continue breastfeeding.

What are some hygiene tips to stop the spread of Candida albicans?

Continue your everyday clean regime to help prevent an overgrowth of bacteria. Since yeast thrives in moisture and can easily spread, here are some helpful tips to prevent oral thrush:

• Wash your hands with warm water and soap before and after breastfeeding and diaper changes.
• Regularly wash you and your baby's hands.
• Wash laundry in hot water (towels, washcloths, burp cloths, and bras.)
• Sterilize and boil baby items such as pacifiers, feeding devices, teethers and baby toothbrushes.