Patient education: Thrush in babies and children (The Basics)

What is thrush? — Thrush is an infection that affects the mouth and throat. It is caused by a fungus called "Candida." Candida is a type of fungus called "yeast." For this reason, some people call thrush a yeast infection of the mouth and throat.

Anyone can get thrush. In children, it is more common in:

●Babies

●Older children who are taking antibiotics or inhaled steroid medicines

●Children who have a weak immune system (for example, because they are being treated for cancer)

The same kind of yeast that causes thrush can also cause vaginal yeast infections. In babies, it can cause diaper rash.

If your baby has thrush and you are breastfeeding, it is possible for the infection to spread to your breasts and cause a rash.

What are the symptoms of thrush? — Many children with thrush have no symptoms. Babies and young children with thrush might refuse to eat. They can also have:

●White patches lining the cheeks or on the tongue, roof of the mouth, or back of the throat (picture 1)

●Redness inside the mouth without white patches

Older children can have these same symptoms. They might have pain with eating or swallowing. They might also complain that their mouth feels like cotton.

Should I take my child to see the doctor or nurse? — Yes. If your child has symptoms of thrush, call their doctor or nurse for an appointment.

Is there a test for thrush? — Yes, but most children do not need it. The doctor or nurse can often tell if your child has thrush just by looking inside of their mouth. To confirm, they might also run a cotton swab (Q-tip) along their tongue or cheek to collect some fluid. Then, they send the fluid to the lab and have it checked for yeast.

How is thrush treated? — Children with thrush usually get a prescription medicine to kill the yeast.

Can I prevent thrush? — The best way to prevent thrush is to keep your child's mouth clean. It is also important to clean anything that goes in your child's mouth.

●Use hot, soapy water after each use to clean things that your child might put in their mouth. Examples include:

•Bottles and nipples

•Pacifiers

•Sip cups

•Teethers and toys

●If you use a breast pump, use hot, soapy water to clean all parts of the pump that touch breast milk.

●Brush your child's teeth and tongue at least 2 times each day with a soft toothbrush. Floss every night. Change your child's toothbrush as instructed.

●Do not let your child use over-the-counter mouthwashes. They can kill healthy bacteria in the mouth that can help fight thrush.

●If your child wears a mouthguard or a retainer, it is really important to clean them every night.

●If your older child uses a steroid inhaler, have them gargle and rinse their mouth with water after every time they use the inhaler.

When should I call the doctor? — Call for advice if:

●Your child has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

●Your child has trouble swallowing or is not able to eat or drink.

More on this topic

Patient education: Diaper rash (The Basics)
Patient education: Vulvovaginal yeast infection (The Basics)