Oral thrush is one of the most common infections in babies. Causing the tongue or gums to develop white or yellowish patches, it can understandably be a little alarming when you see it for the first time, but the good news is it isn’t usually serious and there are ways to eliminate it safely.
A type of yeast infection, oral thrush can make it difficult for baby to feed. The infection can also be passed onto you if you’re breastfeeding. So, it’s definitely worth looking into ways to clear it up as soon as possible. Below, we’ll look at some of the best tried and tested ways to get rid of baby’s oral thrush quickly and safely.
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Take Them To The Pediatrician
While oral thrush is generally harmless for babies, it should still be properly diagnosed by a pediatrician. They will be able to assess baby’s symptoms to confirm whether or not it is thrush, how severe the problem is and what course of treatment should be used to eliminate it.
Most of the time, oral thrush in babies disappears by itself without the need for any treatment. However, if it is severe, or if it has spread, medication could be required.
Increase Their Good Bacteria
Did you know our body’s have both good and bad bacteria? The good bacteria help with both digestion, and at fighting off microbes. As oral thrush is a fungal infection, good bacteria could potentially be used to fight off the infection. So, how can you increase it?
Probiotic yogurts are great for little ones who are old enough to eat solids. If baby is still breastfeeding, they’ll also gain probiotics from your breast milk. However, with oral thrush, it can be passed onto you if baby does breastfeed, so this is something you’ll need to be aware of.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil comes with a lot of benefits, and one of its most surprising is its ability to fight off fungal infections. It’s a well-known antifungal, backed up by numerous studies carried out over the years.
To use it to treat baby’s thrush, you’ll need to apply a little oil onto the affected area. You’ll need to melt down the coconut oil first, or simply rub a tiny amount between your fingers, before running your finger inside baby’s mouth onto the infection. Remember, if you’re melting it down, it’s important to check the temperature before you apply it onto baby’s skin.
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Natural Oral Rinse
There are a few natural oral rinse remedies online. While many parents swear by these, it’s important to check with your baby’s pediatrician before using any remedy you’ve found online. If you do want to use a mouthwash, the doctor will be able to prescribe a medicated variety that’s safe for babies to use.
Reduce Your Sugar Intake
If you are continuing to nurse baby, it’s crucial you reduce your sugar intake while they are fighting off a yeast infection. Sugar can cause the symptoms of thrush to become worse, so you’ll want to avoid it as much as possible. Switch to a healthier, balanced diet and the nutrients you consume, will be passed onto baby. They will then be a lot more capable of fighting off the infection.
Conclusion
These are some of the best methods of getting rid of thrush in babies. The good thing about thrush is that it does usually clear up on its own within a few days. The treatments above are simply there to speed up the healing process, while also easing the symptoms of the infection.
Do you have any alternative oral thrush treatment tips you can pass on? Share them in the comments below.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a doctor or licensed medical professional before making any medical decisions.
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