What is oral thrush?
Oral thrush is a yeast infection in a baby’s mouth. Often a candida infection is also present at the same time on the mother’s nipple. The infection can cause pain in both baby and mother, but a mild infection can also be present without trouble and then disappear on its own. It is estimated that about 4% of infants develop thrush. It can arise in the baby because resistance to yeasts is not yet optimal in infants.
What does it look like?
In the baby. The lining of the baby’s mouth becomes redder, and in the most typical cases white, curd-like patches develop, on the mouth lining and on the tongue. The baby often drinks less well, probably due to pain and itch in the mouth. Thrush often occurs together with nappy rash (a candida infection in the nappy area).
In the mother. When the baby has thrush, the mother can develop pain in the nipples. Thrush should especially be considered when the complaints begin after a long period of trouble-free breastfeeding. Sometimes the nipples are somewhat redder and swollen, or small cracks develop, but in many cases there are no visible changes.
How is thrush treated?
If you suspect thrush in the baby or yourself, it is wise to discuss it with the doctor, certainly if the baby drinks less well. Fortunately it is only rarely necessary to treat thrush with medicines. There are of course other reasons a baby drinks less well, so it is always important to consult the doctor in these situations. Mild forms of thrush usually resolve on their own provided certain hygiene measures are taken.
Hygiene measures
- Keep the nipples clean and dry and leave no milk residue, as milk is a breeding ground for the candida yeast.
- Put towels, washcloths and so on that have been in contact with the nipple area straight into the wash.
- Replace breast pads after each feed.
- Carefully clean any pumping equipment each time.
- Boil teats and dummies daily.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if a baby has white patches in the mouth and drinks poorly, or if a breastfeeding mother develops nipple pain, so thrush can be assessed and treated if needed.