Oral Thrush in Kids: Causes and Symptoms
Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection that affects the mouth and throat. It’s caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast called Candida albicans, which is normally present in the mouth but can become problematic if it overgrows.
Causes of Oral Thrush in Kids
- Weakened Immune System: Children with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to oral thrush. This can be due to illnesses, medications, or underlying medical conditions.
- Antibiotic Use: Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the mouth, allowing Candida to overgrow.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing teeth regularly or not cleaning feeding equipment properly can contribute to the growth of Candida.
- Use of Inhalers: Inhaled corticosteroids can increase the risk of oral thrush, especially in children with asthma.
- Premature Birth: Premature babies have a higher risk of oral thrush due to their immature immune systems.
Symptoms of Oral Thrush in Kids
- White Patches: These patches often have a cottage cheese-like appearance and can be found on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, or throat.
- Soreness: The white patches can be sore, making it painful for the child to eat or swallow.
- Difficulty Feeding: Infants with oral thrush may have trouble feeding and may be fussy or refuse to eat.
- Cracked Corners of the Mouth: The corners of the mouth may become red and cracked.
- Loss of Appetite: The pain associated with oral thrush can lead to decreased appetite and weight loss.
Medical Treatments
A healthcare provider, such as a doctor or dentist, can diagnose oral thrush and prescribe the appropriate antifungal medication. Treatment usually lasts for at least one to two weeks, and it’s important to complete the full course of medication even if symptoms improve.
Common antifungal medications for oral thrush include:
- Topical medications: These are applied directly to the mouth and are often used for mild to moderate cases. They come in forms such as:
- Mouthwashes/Liquid suspensions: Nystatin is a common example. You swish the liquid around in your mouth for as long as possible before swallowing.
- Lozenges or troches: Clotrimazole is available in this form. The lozenge is slowly dissolved in the mouth.
- Gels or creams: Miconazole is an example that can be applied to the affected areas.
- Oral (systemic) medications: For more severe or persistent cases, or if the infection has spread to the esophagus, a doctor may prescribe an antifungal tablet or capsule that is taken by mouth.
- Fluconazole is a commonly prescribed oral antifungal.
Self-Care and Home Remedies
In addition to medical treatment, certain self-care measures can help manage symptoms and prevent recurrence.
- Practice good oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating the sores.
- Consider replacing your toothbrush often while you have the infection to avoid reinfection.
- Rinse your mouth:
- Rinsing with a warm saltwater solution can help soothe symptoms. Dissolve about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, swish it around, and then spit it out.
- Some sources suggest baking soda rinses as well.
- Dietary considerations:
- Eating unsweetened probiotic yogurt with live cultures may help restore the balance of “good” bacteria in your mouth. Candida thrives on sugar, so choosing an unsweetened variety is important.
- Limit the amount of sugary and yeast-containing foods you eat, such as bread, beer, and wine.
- For denture wearers:
- Remove your dentures at night.
- Clean your dentures thoroughly as advised by your dentist, as the fungus can live on them and cause reinfection.
- For individuals using steroid inhalers:
- Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after each use to wash away any medication residue that could contribute to thrush.
If you suspect your child has oral thrush, it’s important to consult a pediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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