Estimates from the United States suggest that approximately 37% of all newborn babies develop oral thrush during the first few months of their life. Though the condition is often self limiting and closely linked with poor nourishment, thrush is often associated with an underlying possibility of immunodeficiency and hence is often a cause of concern.
Symptoms of Thrush in Babies: Side Effects of Oral Thrush
Oral thrush is the most common yeast infection caused due to a fungi ‘candida albicans’. This condition frequently affects babies below the age of two years, but is usually self limiting and settles within a couple of weeks. Weak immune system or secondary infection during normal delivery is some of the common causes. The symptoms associated with oral thrush in babies include,
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| Oral Thrush is common in infants and babies |
- White patches in the infants mouth which may be located on the palate, cheeks or gums
- These patches can’t be removed or rubbed off easily. Attempting to rub these patches may often result in inflammation at the site which may eventually bleed
- The baby refuses to breastfeed or may be unable to suck on the mothers nipples.
- Excessive crying, irritability and restlessness may also be observed in the babies.
Though oral thrush is self limiting condition, it can spread along the gastro-intestinal system of the baby which may affect the health and nutritional status of the infant. The organs most frequently affected by candida infection include the lungs, liver and the Gastro intestinal system . Oral thrush in adults is often considered to be a sign of immunodeficiency caused due to serious condition like HIV or cancer.
Home Remedies for Thrush in Babies; Treating Oral Thrush in Infants
There are a host of food prescriptions along with natural remedies that have been known to have a beneficial in the management of oral thrush,
- Yogurt: Yogurt supplies healthy bacteria to the body, which can capable of fighting yeast infection. Allowing the baby to consume some bit of yogurt or applying yogurt locally at the site of the infection can be highly beneficial. Ensure that local application is wiped within about an hour.
- Baking Soda: This is another natural treatment for oral thrush. Add one teaspoon of the baking soda into a glass of water and mix it well. Using cotton swab, apply the solution on the affected site. Apply the solution after each feed.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Vinegar has strong anti bacterial and antifungal properties. Local application of diluted mixture of apple cider vinegar is considered to be beneficial in the management of oral thrush.
- Grapefruit Seed Extract: This fruit extract has strong antifungal properties which is considered beneficial in treating oral thrush in babies. Grapefruit extract mixed with honey can also be beneficial in management of oral thrush
- Garlic: Garlic oil has potent antiseptic properties and can manage some stubborn forms of oral thrush quickly.
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| Grapefruit Extract is beneficial in treating Oral Thrush |
How to Get Rid Of Thrush in Babies; Important Tips for Oral Thrush Treatment
Here are some essential tips that are beneficial in the management of oral thrush naturally, \- Maintaining utmost oral hygiene in infants and babies is very crucial. Keep the mouth clean and wash it frequently with plain water. Using a cotton swab, clean the tongue and the oral cavity of the infant regularly, at least twice a day.
- While weaning the child, stay away from sugary foods or packed baby foods that contain refined sugar. Fungus tends to strive on sugar
- Ensure that the baby’s bottle, pacifier, comforters, etc are cleaned and washed. These precautionary measures help prevent the spread of the infection and also hasten recovery.
- Administration of steroids can result in drop in immunity in the child. Avoid administration of steroids, especially up to the age of nine months.
