Why does my breastfed baby keep getting oral thrush?

Understanding Oral Thrush in Breastfed Babies
Oral thrush, a common fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast, can be a persistent issue for breastfeeding infants. This condition manifests as white patches in the mouth and can lead to discomfort during feeding. For many parents, the recurring nature of thrush raises questions about its causes and how to effectively manage it.
Why Does It Keep Happening?
One of the primary reasons your breastfed baby may keep getting oral thrush is the contagious nature of the infection. Thrush can easily be transmitted between mother and baby during breastfeeding. When a baby has thrush, the yeast can spread from their mouth to the mother’s nipples, leading to a cycle of reinfection. This transmission can occur not only during feeding but also through everyday interactions, such as changing diapers or sharing pacifiers.
Moreover, thrush thrives in warm, moist environments, making the mouth and diaper area ideal breeding grounds for the yeast. Factors such as poor oral hygiene, antibiotic use (which can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria), and a weakened immune system can further exacerbate the situation.
Symptoms and Impact
For babies, symptoms of oral thrush include white patches on the tongue, gums, and inside the cheeks, which may be accompanied by fussiness or difficulty feeding. In breastfeeding mothers, thrush can cause nipple pain and discomfort, which may discourage continued breastfeeding. It’s crucial to recognize that while thrush is a common issue, it may not always be the sole cause of nipple pain; improper latching can also contribute to discomfort.
Prevention and Treatment
To break the cycle of thrush, both mother and baby may need to be treated simultaneously. Antifungal medications, such as miconazole or nystatin, are commonly prescribed for infants, while mothers may require topical treatments for their nipples. Maintaining good hygiene practices is essential; washing hands frequently, sterilizing pacifiers, and ensuring that any items that come into contact with the baby’s mouth are clean can help prevent reinfection.
Additionally, monitoring the baby’s feeding habits and ensuring a proper latch can alleviate some of the discomfort associated with thrush. If thrush persists despite treatment, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable to explore other underlying issues or alternative treatments.
Conclusion
While oral thrush can be a frustrating and recurring issue for breastfeeding families, understanding its causes and implementing effective prevention strategies can help manage and reduce its occurrence. By addressing both the baby’s and mother’s health, families can work towards a more comfortable breastfeeding experience.

Why does my breastfed baby keep getting thrush?

Breastfed babies can also develop thrush in their mouths. Thrush infections sometimes happen when your nipples become cracked or damaged. This means the candida fungus that causes thrush can get into your nipple or breast. Thrush infections can also happen after you or your baby has had a course of 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.

How common is thrush breastfeeding?

Thrush is a common breastfeeding problem. Thrush is a yeast infection that can lead to very damaged, cracked, and painful nipples, a nursing strike, or early weaning and it needs treatment to clear up. While you can take care of some breastfeeding issues on your own, this isn’t one of them.

How to prevent oral thrush in breastfed babies?

Here are some things you and everyone else in your household should do to stop thrush spreading:

1. wash hands thoroughly, especially after nappy changes.
2. use separate towels.
3. wash and sterilise dummies, teats and any toys your baby may put in their mouth.
4. change your breast pads often.

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

Cleaning your baby’s gums by wiping them with gauze or a soft cloth and their tongue with a baby tongue cleaner wipes away sugars that bacteria thrive on. If formula or breast milk stay in baby’s mouth, the bacteria continue to multiply and can lead to oral fungal infections such as thrush.

How common is thrush in breastfeeding?

Thrush in breastfed babies is a common condition, affecting about one in twenty infants.

What to do if oral thrush keeps coming back?

Oral thrush can be treated with antifungal mouthwashes, ointments or oral medicines. See your doctor if you have severe symptoms of oral thrush or symptoms return after treatment.

How to clean baby tongue thrush?

Dip a gauze- or cloth-covered finger into the warm water. Gently open your baby’s mouth, and then lightly rub their tongue in a circular motion using the cloth or gauze. Softly rub your finger over your baby’s gums and on the inside of their cheeks, too.

Can oral thrush be a symptom of something else?

Several conditions can mimic oral thrush. These include: frictional keratosis: a persistent, usually isolated, low-grade irritation of the oral mucosa. hairy leukoplakia of the tongue: commonly seen in HIV patients.

Why does oral thrush keep coming back in babies?

Some babies have recurring episodes of oral thrush. What causes it? problem. However, with babies there can be an overgrowth of Candida in the mouth because their immune systems are less developed to resist infection.