[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ text_font=”museojhsans-300-woff||||||||” text_text_color=”#444444″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#f2b858″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Children who become irritable, who cry inconsolably for no apparent reason, who refuse to eat despite being hungry\u2026 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. <\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”What is Oral Thrush?” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”museojhslab-700-woff||||||||” title_text_color=”#004687″ title_font_size=”25px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ text_font=”museojhsans-300-woff||||||||” text_text_color=”#444444″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#f2b858″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Oral thrush<\/strong> is an infection of the oral cavity affecting on average 7 out of 10 children.<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n The microorganism responsible for this unpleasant condition is a fungus \u2014 Candida albicans<\/strong> \u2014 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 \u2014 as mentioned \u2014 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. <\/p>\n Although it is a very common infection, certain groups of children may be more susceptible.<\/strong> 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. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Thrush: 4 Steps to Get Rid of It!” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”museojhslab-700-woff||||||||” title_text_color=”#004687″ title_font_size=”25px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ text_font=”museojhsans-300-woff||||||||” text_text_color=”#444444″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#f2b858″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Although it does not generally represent a serious threat to their health, oral thrush is very distressing for young children,<\/strong> 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. So, how can we deal with this condition? Here are four helpful tips to combat oral Candida in children.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Prevention” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”museojhslab-700-woff|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#004687″ title_font_size=”19px” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ text_font=”museojhsans-300-woff||||||||” text_text_color=”#444444″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#f2b858″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]As we have already seen, Candida is a microorganism that naturally lives on our children’s bodies without causing harm, so it is neither possible nor necessary to eliminate it entirely. It is however advisable to pay particular attention to the cleanliness of everything that comes into contact with our children’s mouths<\/strong>, in order to avoid creating fertile ground for its proliferation. It can therefore be very useful to sterilise dummies and bottle teats frequently,<\/strong> favouring materials such as silicone, which are less susceptible to microbial attack and better able to withstand high temperatures. The same treatment should be applied to toys.<\/strong>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Nutrition” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”museojhslab-700-woff|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#004687″ title_font_size=”19px” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ text_font=”museojhsans-300-woff||||||||” text_text_color=”#444444″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#f2b858″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]In older children who have already completed weaning, diet can provide concrete help in combating oral candidiasis. Like many harmful microorganisms, the one responsible for oral thrush also has a particularly strong “sweet tooth”. Let us teach our children to favour healthy, low-sugar foods: it is therefore best to keep consumption of snacks, biscuits, chocolate, and sweets to a minimum, and to keep a watchful eye on fruit intake<\/strong> \u2014 paying particular attention to grapes, figs, and bananas, which are very high in sugar![\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Medical Treatment” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”museojhslab-700-woff|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#004687″ title_font_size=”19px” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ text_font=”museojhsans-300-woff||||||||” text_text_color=”#444444″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#f2b858″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]Thrush often resolves on its own, but when it is persistent and disrupts the day-to-day life of your little ones (and yours as a parent!), it may be necessary to consult your family pediatrician. Oral Candida infections can be treated with antifungal medications, which must be taken only under medical prescription and supervision.<\/strong> Never self-medicate![\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Helping Relieve Oral Discomfort” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”museojhslab-700-woff|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#004687″ title_font_size=”19px” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ text_font=”museojhsans-300-woff||||||||” text_text_color=”#444444″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#f2b858″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]Saliva substitutes<\/strong> can play an important role in supporting oral well-being in young children affected by thrush. These products can be used after meals to reduce oral acidity<\/strong> and restore a neutral pH, creating an environment that is unfavorable for Candida growth.<\/strong> Normally, saliva performs this buffering function, but it takes about 40 minutes to do so; using a saliva substitute immediately after eating helps bridge this \u201cgap\u201d in saliva activity.<\/p>\n These products are also designed to provide immediate relief from inflammation.<\/strong> 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.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Children who become irritable, who cry inconsolably for no apparent reason, who refuse to eat despite being hungry\u2026 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 \u2014 Candida albicans \u2014 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 \u2014 as mentioned \u2014 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":471,"featured_media":4318,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5,182,73,91],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3266","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-approfondimenti","category-further-reading","category-mughetto","category-oral-thrush"],"yoast_head":"\n
In some cases, Candida can be transmitted to the baby during natural childbirth if the mother is affected by vaginal candidiasis.<\/p>\n
\nOral thrush lesions must absolutely not be scraped off<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n