Home Remedies for Thrush in Babies

Thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a common infection caused by a type of yeast called Candida. It is estimated that about 5-7% of infants are affected by thrush. The infection is characterized by white, creamy or yellowish patches on the tongue and inside the mouth, which can be painful and uncomfortable for the baby. In this blog, we will know home remedies for thrush in babies and will know the ways to treat thrush at home.

Factors that can trigger thrush in babies include antibiotic use, weak immunity, breastfeeding, and use of pacifiers or bottles. Thrush is generally a mild infection and does not cause any serious complications, but it can spread to other parts of the body in rare cases. The infection can be treated with antifungal medicine, such as Nystatin or Fluconazole, and natural remedies like coconut oil, garlic, yoghurt, apple cider vinegar, probiotics, baking soda, tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract, oregano oil, and olive leaf extract. It is important to consult a pediatrician before trying any new treatment and maintain good hygiene to prevent the infection from returning.

What is Thrush in babies?

Thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a common infection caused by a type of yeast called Candida. It can affect babies in their mouth, tongue, gums, and inner cheeks. The infection is characterized by white, creamy or yellowish patches on the tongue and inside the mouth, which can be painful and uncomfortable for the baby. Thrush is a common condition and is estimated to affect about 5-7% of infants.

What are the causes of Thrush in babies?

Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of the Candida yeast, which is naturally present in the body. However, certain factors can trigger an overgrowth of the yeast and lead to an infection. These include:

• Antibiotic use: Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the body, making it easier for the yeast to grow.
  
  

• Weak immunity: A baby's immune system is still developing, making them more susceptible to infections like thrush.
  
  

• Breastfeeding: A mother's breast milk can contain traces of Candida, which can be passed on to the baby during breastfeeding.
  
  

• Use of pacifiers or bottles: These can create an ideal environment for the yeast to grow.

What are the symptoms of Thrush in babies?

The main symptom of thrush in babies is the presence of white, creamy or yellowish patches in the mouth, tongue, gums, and inner cheeks. These patches may be accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• Difficulty feeding or swallowing

• Fussiness or crying during feedings

• Loss of appetite

• A sore, red or irritated tongue

• Cracking or redness at the corners of the mouth

• A white coating on the tongue

What triggers Thrush in babies?

Several factors can trigger thrush in babies, including:

• Antibiotic use

• Weak immunity

• Breastfeeding

• Use of pacifiers or bottles

What are the complications of Thrush in babies?

Thrush is generally a mild infection and does not cause any serious complications. However, in rare cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, such as the esophagus or lungs, which can cause more serious health problems. Additionally, if the infection is not treated, it can lead to other oral problems, such as difficulty feeding and poor weight gain.

How long does Thrush in babies last?

Thrush in babies usually clears up within a few weeks with proper treatment. However, in some cases, the infection can last for several months. If the infection persists, it is important to consult a pediatrician for further treatment.

Tips to reduce Thrush in babies

• Keep your baby's mouth clean by wiping their gums and tongue with a damp cloth after feedings.

• Change your baby's pacifier or bottle nipple regularly to prevent the build-up of yeast.

• Avoid using antibiotics unless they are absolutely necessary.

• If you are breastfeeding, make sure to wash your nipples before breastfeeding and change your baby's diaper frequently to prevent yeast from growing.

Dos and Don’ts for Thrush in babies

Do:

• Keep your baby's mouth clean by wiping their gums and tongue with a damp cloth after feedings.

• Change your baby's pacifier or bottle nipple regularly to prevent the build-up of yeast.

• Avoid using antibiotics unless they are absolutely necessary.

• If you are breastfeeding, make sure to wash your nipples before breastfeeding and change your baby's diaper frequently to prevent yeast from growing.

Don't:

• Don't overuse antibiotics, as they can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the body and trigger thrush.

• Don't share personal items such as toothbrushes, pacifiers, and bottles with other people, as this can spread the infection.

• Don't use harsh chemicals or mouthwash on your baby's mouth, as they can irritate the infection and make it worse.

Medicine to cure Thrush in babies

Your pediatrician may prescribe an antifungal medicine, such as Nystatin or Fluconazole, to clear up the infection. These medicines can be in the form of a liquid, gel or lozenge, and are usually applied directly to the affected areas in the baby's mouth. It's important to follow the pediatrician's instructions and complete the full course of treatment to prevent the infection from returning.

10 best natural remedies for Thrush in babies

Home Remedy for Thrush in babies with Coconut oil

Coconut oil has antifungal properties and can be applied directly to the affected areas in the baby's mouth to help clear up the infection.

Home Remedy for Thrush in babies with Garlic

Garlic has antifungal properties and can be added to a baby's food to help fight off the infection.

Home Remedy for Thrush in babies with Yoghurt

Yoghurt contains live cultures of beneficial bacteria that can help to restore the balance of bacteria in the body and prevent the overgrowth of yeast.

Home Remedy for Thrush in babies with Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be diluted with water and applied to the affected areas in the baby's mouth to help clear up the infection.

Home Remedy for Thrush in babies with Probiotics

Probiotics can help to restore the balance of bacteria in the body and prevent the overgrowth of yeast.

Home Remedy for Thrush in babies with Baking soda

Baking soda can be mixed with water to make a paste and applied to the affected areas in the baby's mouth to help clear up the infection.

Home Remedy for Thrush in babies with Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has antifungal properties and can be mixed with coconut oil and applied to the affected areas in the baby's mouth.

Home Remedy for Thrush in babies with Grapefruit seed extract

Grapefruit seed extract has antifungal properties and can be mixed with water and applied to the affected areas in the baby's mouth.

Home Remedy for Thrush in babies with Oregano oil

Oregano oil has antifungal properties and can be mixed with coconut oil and applied to the affected areas in the baby's mouth.

Home Remedy for Thrush in babies with Olive leaf extract

Olive leaf extract has antifungal properties and can be added to a baby's food to help fight off the infection.

5 best Ayurvedic home remedies for Thrush in babies

Home Remedy for Thrush in babies with Ghee (Clarified butter)

Ghee has antifungal properties and can be applied directly to the affected areas in the baby's mouth to help clear up the infection.

Home Remedy for Thrush in babies with Turmeric

Turmeric has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties and can be added to a baby's food to help fight off the infection.

Home Remedy for Thrush in babies with Neem

Neem has antifungal properties and can be applied directly to the affected areas in the baby's mouth to help clear up the infection.

Home Remedy for Thrush in babies with Triphala

Triphala is a combination of three fruits that have antifungal properties and can be added to a baby's food to help fight off the infection.

Home Remedy for Thrush in babies with Licorice root

Licorice root has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties and can be added to a baby's food to help fight off the infection.

It is important to note that while these natural remedies may be effective in treating thrush in babies, it is always best to consult a pediatrician before trying any new treatment. Additionally, it is important to maintain good hygiene and follow the pediatrician's instructions to ensure the infection is fully cleared and prevent it from returning.