Your Childrens Health

Oral thrush refers to an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth.  This is especially common amongst newborns, though it can also occur in older children and adults with weakened immune systems.

Candida albican is a naturally occuring yeast present in most people’s mouths.  Because baby’s immune system isn’t mature, it is sometimes unable to prevent an overgrowth of yeast.  Oral thrush usually appears as whitish or yellowish spots on the cheeks, tongues, or gums; and possibly as dry, cracked skin around the mouth.

Oral thrush usually clears itself up within 2 weeks, though your doctor may occasionally prescribe an antifungal agent to help speed up the process. 

Oral thrush is easier to prevent than to treat.  Always wash bottles, nipples and rings carefully, to remove any traces of yeast.  Older babies can eat yogurt to help maintain a proper pH blance in their mouth and body.  If you are breastfeeding and find that your nipples are red and sore, you could have yeast on your breasts that is being passed back and forth with your baby’s mouth.  Your doctor may prescribe a topical antifungal cream to help rid you of the yeast.

Always mention oral thrush to your child’s physician, especially if it is persistent or recurring.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, May 18th, 2006 at 1:00 am and is filed under Pregnancy and Newborns, Infections, Fungal Infections. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.