What Mothers Need to Know: Causes and How to Treat Thrush in Babies

Is your little one refusing food or refusing to eat at all, even though they usually eat heartily? This could be because they don't like the food being served or are bored with the same menu.

There could also be other factors causing your child's loss of appetite. To find out, open your child's mouth and look for white or yellow spots on their gums, inside their lips, or cheeks. If so, it could be a canker sore.

Causes of Thrush in Babies

Thrush is actually rare in babies, especially those under 10 months of age. However, it's possible for your baby to experience it, regardless of age. The cause of thrush in babies is unknown, but several factors may contribute to its occurrence, including:

Mouth sores. Sores can occur when your little one accidentally bites their tongue or the inside of their lip. These bites can then turn into canker sores.
Food Allergies
Sensitive to acidic fruits, such as oranges and strawberries.
Deficiencies of certain vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, zinc, iron, and vitamin B12.
Infected with viruses, bacteria, or fungi.
Certain diseases, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease.

How to overcome Ulcer In Babies

Canker sores in children can actually disappear on their own in about 7-10 days, while the pain can last for 3-4 days. However, don't just wait for them to go away without treatment. Mothers certainly know how painful canker sores can be in the mouth. Your baby feels the same way. Therefore, treat them immediately if you notice any canker sores in your baby.

Below are some steps that mothers can take to treat thrush in babies:

Compress the canker sore with ice cubes. The cold sensation can numb the canker sore.
Give soft textured and cold foods, such as ice cream.
Make a solution of water, salt, and baking soda. Once the solution is ready, dip a cotton ball in it and gently apply it to the canker sore. Do this 3-4 times daily.
Give your little one small amounts of drinks frequently to moisten the mouth and prevent dehydration.

If you're concerned, you can take your little one to the doctor and ask for a prescription for appropriate medication to treat thrush in babies. The doctor may prescribe medication, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, in the appropriate dosage for pain relief.

While your little one has mouth ulcers, avoid giving them foods that are too hot or acidic. These foods can irritate their mouth. Mouth ulcers in children can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene. To do this, brush your little one's teeth with a baby toothbrush twice a day to remove any food residue that can trigger mouth ulcers.

If your baby's thrush does not improve within 2 weeks, or even causes fever, skin rash, weight loss, or swollen lymph nodes, consult a doctor immediately.