Oral thrush consists of curd-like white plaques formed when the fungus Candida multiplies inside a baby's mouth. It is very common in newborns and babies in the first months of life and is linked to the immune system not yet being fully mature.

How Is It Recognized?

  • Wipe-resistant white plaques on the tongue, inner cheeks, palate, and inner lips
  • A red, tender surface underneath if you try to wipe them off
  • Fussiness while feeding, letting go of the breast and crying

The difference from milk residue: Milk residue wipes off easily with a soft cloth and is usually only on the tongue; thrush does not wipe off and spreads to the inner cheeks.

What Causes It?

The main causes are passage through the birth canal, antibiotic use (in the baby or in the breastfeeding mother), unwashed pacifiers and bottles, and nipple candidiasis in the mother.

Treatment

Mild thrush sometimes resolves on its own; however, in most cases a doctor-prescribed antifungal gel/drops applied inside the mouth are used. The breastfeeding mother's nipples must be treated at the same time; otherwise the infection passes back and forth between mother and baby. Pacifiers and bottle nipples should be boiled every day.

When Should You See a Doctor?

A medical examination is needed when there are widespread plaques that interfere with feeding, thrush that does not subside within 1 week despite treatment, a coexisting resistant diaper rash (which may be a candidal rash), or frequent recurrence.

📅 Online appointment for your child: Uzm. Dr. Hasan Keleş — appointment page

Related articles: Diaper rash in babies · Newborn follow-up

This article is for general information purposes only; it does not replace diagnosis and treatment. For any concerns about your child's health, always consult a pediatric health and diseases specialist.

Uzm. Dr. Hasan Keleş — Pediatric Health and Diseases Specialist, Gaziantep