Notice some white patches on your baby’s tongue that won’t come off? This could be thrush. Don’t feel alarmed right away because although it can be uncomfortable or even painful, thrush isn’t dangerous or life-threatening, especially when treated right. 

Thrush is common in infants and babies about the age of six months. So, what is thrush? What can you do about it? Keep on reading to learn how to get rid of thrush in infants. 

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Thrush is a yeast infection caused by the overgrowth of Candida fungus around the mouth and inside the mouth of your baby. It’s common in infants because their immune system is weak, and it usually resolves with age. 

Candida or yeast is commonly found in the baby’s mouth, and digestive system as the healthy bacteria keep the baby’s intestines functioning the way they should. But when the immune system is weakened or is underdeveloped in the case of newborns, these bacteria overgrow to cause this painful infection. 

Your child can develop thrush after being on some medications. Antibiotics or steroids that treat several health issues can weaken the immune system and kill the bacteria that keep Candida in check. In some cases, the infection can be passed from the mother to the baby if she is suffering from a yeast infection that passes through with the milk. 

What is Thrush?

The most important sign that shows that your infant is suffering from thrush is the growth of white patches on the lips, around the mouth, on the gums, the inside of the cheeks, the roof of the mouth, and on the tongue. 

In the beginning, you might mistake these white patches for leftover milk, and you might try to wipe them off with a wet cloth. Don’t try to wipe these patches too strongly, as the skin will be inflamed. When not treated, the infection can spread to the esophagus and make swallowing difficult for your baby. 

In this case, eating can be too painful, so your child won’t be getting the nutrients they need. It also spreads to the diaper region. However, in most cases, thrush is a mild condition that resolves after a short period.

What are the Symptoms of Thrush in Babies?

If you suspect that your child is suffering from thrush, you need to see a pediatrician to make sure that there’s no medical issue. In most cases, the doctor will prescribe an anti-fungal topical treatment that can be placed on the baby’s tongue and other areas inside the mouth. The treatment should be applied after feeding so the milk doesn’t wash away the treatment. 

However, you can also treat thrush naturally at home if it’s not that serious. There are several home remedies that can help your baby feel better. Here are some potent ways to get rid of thrush. 

Watch your child’s consumption of sugar. Yeast feeds on sugar, so if you’re adding any sugary foods to your baby’s diet, make sure that you put them under control to eliminate the infection. This includes refined carbohydrates and fruits. 

Mix a tablespoon of table salt with one cup of warm water and use a cotton swab to cover the white patches. It acts as an antiseptic and also helps soothe the pain. 

Baking soda can be used as a potent home remedy to get rid of a thrush infection. All you have to do is dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda into a cup of warm water and use a cotton swab to apply this solution to the lesions. It will help soothe the pain and get rid of the infection. 

If the mother is suffering from thrush, you can also prepare a paste using baking soda and water. Coat the nipples with this paste and wash off before breastfeeding. It doesn’t have an aftertaste and is safe for the baby. 

Use natural yogurt to regulate the overgrowth of yeast or Candida in your child’s body. Yogurt contains healthy bacteria or probiotics, which balance the overgrowth of yeast into the child’s mouth. To use yogurt as a remedy, you need to make sure that it’s not sweetened to prevent providing yeast with sugar that helps the bacteria grow. 

If you have a newborn, apply the yogurt to the infected areas using a cotton swab. If the doctor clears it, your baby might start eating yogurt to help with digestion and get rid of thrush. 

Coconut oil contains caprylic acid, which helps soothe the pain associated with thrush. You can use a cotton swab to gently apply coconut oil to the infected areas inside your child’s mouth. However, you need to do a test first to make sure that your baby isn’t allergic to coconut. 

Boil all the items that your child puts in its mouth or get in touch with the lips. This will help contain the infection and prevent it from spreading or recurring. Boil the nipples and pacifiers after use to help your baby recover. 