Oral Thrush In Newborns: How Long Does It Last?

Oral thrush is a common yeast infection in newborns, caused by the overgrowth of a yeast called Candida. It usually affects babies younger than 6 months old and can be passed between mother and child during breastfeeding. Oral thrush typically results in white patches in the mouth and on the tongue, which cannot be wiped away. While some babies may experience discomfort when sucking or feeding, most do not feel any pain. Oral thrush can be treated with antifungal medicine, but it often clears up without treatment in a few days.

Oral thrush symptoms in newborns

Oral thrush is a yeast infection that causes irritation in and around a baby's mouth. It is caused by an overgrowth of the Candida albicans fungus, which is typically controlled by a healthy immune system and "good" bacteria. However, in babies, whose immune systems are not yet fully developed, this fungus can proliferate, leading to oral thrush.

Oral thrush is characterised by white patches on the lips, tongue, or inside the cheeks that resemble cottage cheese and cannot be easily wiped away. In addition, newborns with oral thrush may exhibit cracked skin in the corners of their mouths. While some babies may experience discomfort when feeding due to mouth soreness, others may not feel any pain.

Other symptoms of oral thrush in newborns include:

• White, velvety sores in the mouth and on the tongue that may bleed when wiped.
• Redness in the mouth.
• Mood changes, such as increased fussiness.
• Refusal to nurse or decreased milk intake due to soreness in the mouth.

It is important to note that oral thrush can affect anyone but is most commonly observed in babies younger than 6 months old and older adults.

Oral thrush treatment

Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the tongue and mouth caused by the overgrowth of a yeast called Candida albicans. It causes irritation in and around a baby's mouth and is characterised by creamy white lesions or red, irritated lesions on the inside of their mouth. It is most common in babies younger than 6 months old.

Oral thrush can be treated with antifungal medication. Your doctor can prescribe nystatin oral drops for your baby, which are applied several times a day by "painting" them on the inside of the mouth and tongue with a sponge applicator. It is important that both mother and baby are treated at the same time to prevent the infection from passing back and forth.

In addition to medical treatment, there are some hygiene protocols that can help reduce the chances of a recurring thrush infection:

• Clean pacifiers and toys that come into contact with your baby's mouth.
• Replace pacifiers and bottle nipples after one week.
• Boil breast pump parts that come into contact with breast milk each day during treatment and throw away damp breast pads.
• Wash clothing in warm water with a cup of vinegar to kill the yeast.
• Wash your hands and your baby's hands frequently, especially after diaper changes and using the bathroom.
• Use paper towels to dry hands during treatment, discarding them after each use.
• Avoid diaper wipes if your baby has a diaper rash, and instead use a washcloth and water.
• Clean and dry your breast after each feeding with a cotton ball or clean cloth. Your doctor can advise on balms and ointments that are safe to use while breastfeeding.

Oral thrush can also be prevented by:

• Cleaning and sterilising all bottle-feeding equipment, including nipples.
• Cleaning and sterilising pacifiers and other toys that go in your baby's mouth.
• Changing diapers often to help prevent yeast from causing diaper rash.
• Treating your nipples if you have a yeast infection.

Oral thrush prevention

Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth that is common in newborns. It is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast called Candida (a type of fungus) in a baby's mouth. Candida is naturally found in the mouths and digestive tracts of most people, and is usually kept in check by a healthy immune system and some "good" bacteria. However, babies have developing immune systems, making them more susceptible to thrush.

Clean and Sterilize Equipment

If you are bottle-feeding your baby, it is important to clean and sterilize all equipment, including nipples. Wash nipples and pacifiers in hot water or a dishwasher after each use. This will prevent reinfection by ensuring that there is no yeast on the bottle nipple or pacifier. It is also recommended to replace pacifiers and bottle nipples after one week.

Store Milk and Bottles Properly

Store milk and prepared bottles in the refrigerator to prevent yeast from growing.

Wash Hands Frequently

Be sure to wash your hands and your baby's hands frequently, especially after diaper changes and using the bathroom. During treatment, dry hands with paper towels and discard them after each use.

Prevent Diaper Rash

Change diapers frequently to help prevent yeast from causing diaper rash. Diaper rash can also be a sign of a yeast infection, so if common ointments are not working, it may be time to consult a doctor.

Treat Yeast Infections Promptly

If you are breastfeeding and notice symptoms of a yeast infection on your nipples, such as redness, cracking, or soreness, consult a doctor. They may recommend an antifungal cream to treat the infection. It is important to treat both the mother and the baby at the same time to prevent reinfection.

Clean Pacifiers and Toys

Clean pacifiers and toys that your baby puts in their mouth. Boil items that come into contact with breast milk, such as breast pump parts, each day during treatment.

Wash Clothing in Warm Water with Vinegar

To kill yeast on clothing, wash in warm water with a cup of vinegar.

Make Dietary Changes

Consider adding yogurt with lactobacilli or acidophilus to your baby's diet. These are "good" bacteria that can help get rid of the yeast in your child's mouth. Also, consider reducing your intake of sugar or yeast-based foods, as these contribute to the overproduction of candida.

How long does oral thrush last without treatment?

Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth caused by the candida fungus. It is a common infection in newborns and young babies, and it can be passed between a mother and baby during breastfeeding. Newborns are particularly susceptible to oral thrush because they do not yet have fully formed immune systems, allowing the candida fungus to thrive in the warm, moist environment of the mouth.

Oral thrush typically causes white, velvety sores in the mouth and on the tongue, which may bleed when wiped. Other symptoms include redness in the mouth, mood changes, and fussiness or refusal to feed due to soreness. However, many babies with oral thrush do not experience any pain or discomfort.

If left untreated, oral thrush in newborns will usually clear up on its own within 2 to 8 weeks. However, it is important to note that during this time, the infection can be passed back and forth between the mother and baby during breastfeeding. Therefore, it is recommended that both the mother and baby are treated simultaneously to prevent recurrent infections.

In terms of treatment, antifungal medicines are typically prescribed for oral thrush. These medicines are usually applied by painting them onto the inside of the mouth and tongue with a sponge applicator. Additionally, depending on the baby's age, the doctor may suggest adding yogurt with lactobacilli to the diet, as these "good" bacteria can help get rid of the yeast.

How long does oral thrush last with treatment?

Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the tongue and mouth caused by the overgrowth of a yeast called Candida Albicans. It is a common infection in newborns and can be easily passed between a mother and baby during breastfeeding. It is characterised by white, velvety sores in the mouth and on the tongue that may bleed when wiped. Other symptoms include redness in the mouth, mood changes, fussiness, and refusal to nurse due to soreness.

Oral thrush can often go away on its own without any treatment in a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if the baby is having difficulty feeding or is irritable, a doctor will likely prescribe an antifungal treatment. This usually comes in the form of a gel, drops, or liquid medicine that is applied directly to the affected areas in the mouth several times a day. It is important to continue this treatment for at least 7 days after symptoms disappear, and to treat both the mother and the baby simultaneously to prevent passing the infection back and forth.

With treatment, oral thrush typically clears up within 4 to 5 days. However, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and follow the doctor's recommendations to prevent recurrence. This may include sterilising bottles, pacifiers, and teething rings; treating nappy rash; and practising good dental hygiene, such as brushing teeth regularly and rinsing the mouth after using an asthma inhaler.

Frequently asked questions