Oral thrush, also known as simply “Thrush”, is a common term used to describe a medical condition known as an oral form of Candidiasis. As a fungal infection of the mouth, many parents are alarmed at the presence of thrush in a newborn. While most notable in the first few weeks following birth, Thrush can impact an individual at any age. As a new mom, recognizing the symptoms of Thrush, the cause and origin, as well as the treatment options, will provide for a more effective treatment plan when working with your newborn’s pediatrician.
Candida, a fungal organism, is commonly found in the human body and is not a foreign organism to the mouth. However, when overgrowth of candida fungus occurs, known as Candidiasis, a newborn will develop an oral fungal infection known as Oral thrush. This overgrowth of candida fungi, in the newborn, may be attributed to a lack of healthy oral bacteria and, in many cases, a sign of delayed immune system response and development in small children, especially those who may have experienced premature birth or illness at a very young age. In addition, infants who suffer from chronic bacterial infections, especially bacterial infections of the ears, who commonly use antibiotics on recurring basis may experience a greater incidence of Oral thrush. As a result, the excessive use of antibiotics is highly discouraged as it leads to destruction of healthy bacteria within the newborn, thereby allowing for an overgrowth of candida fungi and, thus, the development of Oral thrush infection.
When suffering from Oral thrush, it is not uncommon for Mom to be frightened by the sudden onset of symptoms within the oral cavity of the newborn as most parents first notice the overproduction of fungi exhibited by the white, filmy type substance in the newborn’s mouth. When wiping or swabbing away the substance from the newborn’s mouth, Mom will usually notice the child’s oral cavity is red and swollen, all indications of an Oral thrush complication in the newborn child.
Treatment and dosing of prescription medication, in treating Oral thrush of the newborn, is achieved through use of anti-fungal drugs commonly prescribed as oral, liquid formulas and may even include a prescription mouthwash product for use in older children who are afflicted with the fungal infection. For parents with children who regularly treat for chronic ear infections, the use of anti-fungal mouthwash may become part of a preventative treatment program in an effort to prevent the development of Oral thrush.
As an additional diagnosis and treatment program, the pediatrician, when treating a child with Oral thrush, may commonly request diagnostic tests to rule out other complicating health conditions such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS. With Oral thrush commonly associated with suppressed immune systems, thereby allowing overgrowth of bacteria, the pediatrician may obtain blood testing, throat cultures and even endoscopic examinations of the child’s gastrointestinal tract.
To prevent Oral thrush in children, parents can utilize a variety of methods beyond prescription anti-fungal mouthwash. Eliminating bread and complex carbohydrates from the child’s diet, incorporating daily intake of yogurt products and seeking regular dental examinations and cleanings are just a few examples of routine preventative options available to children who may be at risk for developing Oral thrush. The key, when suffering from symptoms involves early diagnosis, intervention and treatment.
