Signs & Symptoms

• A baby with oral thrush might have cracked skin in the corners of the mouth or white patches on the lips, tongue, or inside the cheeks that look a little like cottage cheese but can't be wiped away.
• Some babies may not feed well or are uncomfortable when sucking, because their mouth feels sore, but many babies don't feel any pain or discomfort.

Causes

• Oral thrush is caused by the overgrowth of a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida albicans. Most infants naturally have Candida in their mouths and digestive tracts, which is considered normal growth. Usually, a healthy immune system and some "good" bacteria control the amount of this fungus in the body. But if the immune system is not fully developed (as in babies), Candida in the digestive tract can overgrow and lead to an infection.
• Candida overgrowth also causes diaper rash and vaginal yeast infections. Babies can have oral thrush and a diaper rash at the same time.
• Candida overgrowth can also happen after a baby has been given antibiotics for a bacterial infection because antibiotics can kill off the "good" bacteria that keep the Candida from growing.

Remedies

• See your doctor if you think your baby may have thrush. Some cases go away without medical treatment within a week or two, but the doctor may prescribe an antifungal solution for your baby's mouth. This medicine is usually applied several times a day by "painting" it on the inside of the mouth and tongue with a sponge applicator.
• If you formula-feed your baby or use a pacifier, thoroughly clean the nipples and pacifiers in hot water or a dishwasher after each use. That way, if there's yeast on the bottle nipple or pacifier, your baby won't be re-infected.
• Store milk and prepared bottles in the refrigerator to prevent yeast from growing.
• If you breastfeed and your nipples are red and sore, you might have a yeast infection on your nipples, which you and your baby can pass back and forth. Talk to your doctor, who might recommend using an antifungal ointment on your nipples while your baby is treated with the antifungal solution.