How can I prevent my baby from getting oral thrush?

Understanding Oral Thrush in Babies
Oral thrush, a common fungal infection in infants, is caused by an overgrowth of the yeast *Candida albicans*. This condition manifests as white patches in the mouth, which can lead to discomfort and irritability in babies. While oral thrush often resolves on its own, parents can take proactive steps to prevent its occurrence and recurrence.
Key Prevention Strategies
1. Maintain Hygiene:
One of the most effective ways to prevent oral thrush is through rigorous hygiene practices. Parents should wash their hands thoroughly before and after handling their baby’s mouth, feeding bottles, or pacifiers. This simple act can significantly reduce the risk of introducing yeast into the baby’s oral environment.
2. Sterilize Feeding Equipment:
Bottles and pacifiers can harbor yeast if not properly cleaned. It is recommended to sterilize these items regularly, especially after each use. Boiling them in water for about ten minutes is an effective method to eliminate any lingering yeast.
3. Monitor Diet:
For babies who have started eating solids, reducing sugar intake can be beneficial. Yeast thrives on sugar, so limiting sugary foods can help prevent the overgrowth of *Candida*.
4. Breastfeeding Considerations:
If a breastfeeding mother has thrush, it can be transmitted to the baby. Therefore, both mother and child should be treated simultaneously to avoid passing the infection back and forth.
5. Avoid Overuse of Antibiotics:
Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the body, potentially leading to yeast overgrowth. If antibiotics are necessary, consult with a healthcare provider about ways to mitigate the risk of thrush.
Recognizing Symptoms Early
Being vigilant about the signs of oral thrush can also aid in prevention. Symptoms include white patches in the mouth, fussiness during feeding, and difficulty swallowing. Early recognition allows for prompt treatment, which can prevent the condition from worsening.
Conclusion
While oral thrush is a common issue among infants, implementing these preventive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of its occurrence. By maintaining good hygiene, sterilizing feeding equipment, monitoring dietary sugar intake, and being aware of the signs, parents can help keep their babies comfortable and thrush-free.

Why do babies get thrush so easily?

However, with babies there can be an overgrowth of Candida in the mouth because their immune systems are less developed to resist infection. It can also affect babies if they have been recently treated with antibiotics.

Is thrush in babies caused by poor hygiene?

It is more common in babies younger than 10 weeks, but older babies can also get it. Some babies have repeat episodes of it. Oral thrush is rarely due to poor hygiene. It is unlikely to mean that your baby is ill in any other way.

Can oral thrush be prevented?

In addition to good oral hygiene, it’s important to drink enough fluids. People who need nursing care and only drink very little on their own should be offered drinks regularly to keep their mouth from getting dry. Some people use probiotics to prevent oral thrush.

How to naturally treat thrush in babies?

Diluted baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) may also combat the symptoms of thrush. Dissolve a half teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of warm water, and apply to your child’s thrush with a cotton swab. You can also apply the paste on your nipples before breastfeeding (just wipe off before your baby latches).

How do you clean a baby’s tongue to prevent thrush?

You can use a clean, damp cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your baby’s tongue. Gently rub the cloth or brush over the tongue in a circular motion. Be sure to rinse your baby’s mouth with water afterward. You should clean newborn tongue at least once a day and more often if needed.

How do you stop thrush when it starts?

The most common treatment is to put anti-thrush cream or a tablet in your vagina. You can purchase these from the chemist without a prescription from your doctor. You should see your doctor before taking this medication if you’re not sure what is causing the irritation.

How do you prevent oral thrush in babies?

Preventing oral thrush in babies

1. sterilise dummies regularly, as well as any toys that your baby puts in their mouth.
2. sterilise bottles and other feeding equipment regularly, especially the teats.

Is it better to spit or swallow Nystatin?

Put the medicine in your mouth. Keep it in your mouth for at least 30 seconds if possible, swilling it around your mouth like a mouthwash before you swallow it. Do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after taking it. This stops you washing the medicine out of your mouth too soon.

Is oral thrush due to poor hygiene?

Causes of oral thrush
wearing dentures (false teeth), particularly if they don’t fit properly. having poor oral hygiene. having a dry mouth, either because of a medical condition or a medication you are taking. smoking.

What is the number one cause of oral thrush?

Weakened immunity.
Oral thrush is more likely in babies and older adults due to lower immunity. Some medical conditions and treatments can weaken your immune system. They include cancer and its treatments, an organ transplant, medicines that weaken the immune system, and HIV / AIDS .