Thrush in Infants: 4 Ways to Get Rid of It

Children who become irritable, who cry inconsolably for no apparent reason, who refuse to eat despite being hungry… but what is going on? As parents, we often feel helpless in the face of these mysterious ailments that torment our little ones.
However, when a yawn from a baby or infant reveals a white coating on the tongue, the answer may be within reach: it could be oral thrush.

Oral thrush is an infection of the oral cavity affecting on average 7 out of 10 children. Due to their still-developing immune system, infants up to 10 weeks of age are particularly susceptible to oral thrush, although this type of infection can also affect older children and even adults.

The microorganism responsible for this unpleasant condition is a fungus — Candida albicans — naturally present on the skin and in healthy mucous membranes. Generally this fungus is harmless, but when it begins to proliferate uncontrollably, infections can develop. This can occur, for example, following antibiotic treatment that lowers the body’s defences, or — as mentioned — in young children, where the immune system is not yet capable of properly controlling the multiplication of the fungus. Candida can proliferate in various parts of the body, with a preference for warmer and more humid areas, such as the nappy area. Particular attention should be paid to breastfeeding mothers: Candida can in fact pass from the baby’s mouth to the mother’s breast, infecting the mother as well.

Although it is a very common infection, certain groups of children may be more susceptible. Premature babies or those born with a very low birth weight, for example, may have a particularly fragile immune system and therefore be less equipped to fight off Candida.
In some cases, Candida can be transmitted to the baby during natural childbirth if the mother is affected by vaginal candidiasis.

Although it does not generally represent a serious threat to their health, oral thrush is very distressing for young children, and it is important to resolve it as quickly as possible to allow our little ones to sleep soundly again. The most evident symptom is the appearance of whitish spots and patches on the mucosa of the tongue, the inner cheeks, and the gums. These patches should not be confused with milk residues, which are washed away spontaneously by saliva and cause no discomfort whatsoever. Oral thrush in children can make the mouth sore and inflamed. As a consequence, the child may drool excessively, become irritable, or even refuse food.
Oral thrush lesions must absolutely not be scraped off in an attempt to remove them: doing so would only worsen the inflammatory state, leading to the development of reddened and painful areas and causing the child even greater distress.

So, how can we deal with this condition? Here are four helpful tips to combat oral Candida in children.

These products are also designed to provide immediate relief from inflammation. Ideally, choose formulations that adhere to the mucosa, prolonging the soothing effect. Spray formats are especially convenient, as they are easier to use with younger children who may be less cooperative.