Thrush in infants is actually a rare condition. However, you need to be careful if your little one suddenly refuses to drink milk or be breastfed, because he could be suffering from thrush. This condition can interfere with nutritional intake. Know what are the causes and how to treat thrush in babies.
Canker sores are inflammation characterized by white or yellow sores, with red edges. This condition usually occurs on the inside of the mouth or lips.
Although it is very rare, babies under 10 months of age can have thrush that makes them fussy and refuses to breastfeed. This of course can have an impact on daily nutritional intake.
Therefore, it is important for every parent to know the cause and understand the right way to deal with it.
Causes of thrush in babies
The cause of thrush in infants is not known for certain. However, there are several things that can trigger the appearance of canker sores, including:
- Sores in the mouth due to accidentally biting the tongue or the inside of the lips while breastfeeding
- food allergy
- Sensitive to fruit that tastes sour, such as oranges and strawberries
- Deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid, iron, and vitamin B12
- Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections
- Certain diseases, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease
In addition, thrush can also be passed down in the family and can also occur when the baby is under stress.
How to Overcome Thrush in Babies
Canker sores in babies can actually go away on their own within a week. However, that doesn't mean you can just let it go. Canker sores cause a stinging and uncomfortable feeling in the baby's mouth, so it needs to be handled.
There are several ways you can do to treat thrush in babies, including:
- Compress with ice cubes to numb the area where canker sores appear.
- Apply a teething cream or gel on the injured area.
- Give soft textured foods and cold temperatures, such as ice cream.
- Make sure your baby is drinking enough fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Give the baby a solution consisting of water, salt, and baking soda. After the solution is finished, dip a cotton swab and apply it to the thrush. Do it 3-4 times a day.
If you are worried, take your little one to the doctor so that they can be checked. Doctors will usually prescribe medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol with the right dose for the baby as a pain reliever.
As long as your little one has canker sores, avoid giving him food that is too hot or sour, because it can make his mouth sore. In addition, keep your little one's mouth clean by regularly cleaning his teeth using a special baby toothbrush 2 times a day.
If thrush in babies does not improve in more than 2 weeks, or is even accompanied by fever, skin rash, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes, immediately take your little one to the doctor so that the right treatment can be done.