Oral yeast infection -- or thrush -- affects many newborns and younger children.
It is caused by the Candida albicans yeast or fungus, which can also cause vaginal infections and diaper rashes. When it infects a child's mouth, it is called oropharyngeal Candidiasis, or thrush.
Thrush is a temporary infection that looks and sounds much worse than it is. Although sometimes painful, the most common symptom is for an infant to have white patches on the insides of his cheeks or tongue, on the roof of his mouth, and on his lips and gums.
The white patches cannot easily be wiped away. However, if you try to do so, the area may bleed and leave a painful ulcer.
In older children, especially if they haven't recently been on antibiotics or steroids, thrush can be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or an immune system disorder.
Infants with thrush that doesn't go away or recurs may have immune system problems, especially if the baby isn't gaining weight well or has other infections and medical problems.
It is caused by the Candida albicans yeast or fungus, which can also cause vaginal infections and diaper rashes. When it infects a child's mouth, it is called oropharyngeal Candidiasis, or thrush.
Thrush is a temporary infection that looks and sounds much worse than it is. Although sometimes painful, the most common symptom is for an infant to have white patches on the insides of his cheeks or tongue, on the roof of his mouth, and on his lips and gums.
The white patches cannot easily be wiped away. However, if you try to do so, the area may bleed and leave a painful ulcer.
In older children, especially if they haven't recently been on antibiotics or steroids, thrush can be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or an immune system disorder.
Infants with thrush that doesn't go away or recurs may have immune system problems, especially if the baby isn't gaining weight well or has other infections and medical problems.