Baby mouth thrush is a common harmless yeast infection caused to infants. Yeast known as Candida Albicans causes this thrush to occur in the mouth of the baby. This will look like milk curds or cottage cheese on the sides and roof of the babys mouth. It occurs commonly in babies of 2 months or younger and also occurs at times in older babies.
Antibiotics consumed and hormonal changes either in the breast feeding mother or baby are the main factors for the occurrence of this yeast infection. The baby mouth thrush shows certain symptoms that can be observed externally. As soon as the symptoms of mouth thrush have been observed, necessary action should be taken for preventing and curing this fungal growth.
Major Baby Mouth Thrush Symptoms
The major symptom of baby mouth thrush is the occurrence of white patches. A white coating can be observed on babys tongue. When this white patch can be seen only at the tongue and not at other sides of the mouth, then it is a general milk residue and it can be wiped off. However, if patches look like milk scum and are found to be stuck at the cheeks, roof of the mouth and tongue then it is a symptom of baby mouth thrush. These patches or milk scum cannot be wiped off. When rubbing it, the underneath area of skin will start to bleed and inflammation will happen. These white spots will later join together in order to form as lager called as plaques. These plagues will be grey or yellow colored. If any such milk scum or plague is identified in the baby, then the parents should immediately consult with the Doctor.
Generally, baby mouth thrush does not create any pain or discomfort. But in certain cases, the baby affected by baby mouth thrush might feel uncomfortable during sucking on a bottle or pacifier and also while breast feeding. Hence if the baby is crying unusually while sucking the breast milk, then it is a symptom of baby mouth thrush occurrence.
In certain cases, baby may feel soreness and refuse to take proper feeding. Saliva drooling will also happen repeatedly. These are again major symptoms of baby mouth thrush.
Other Baby Mouth Thrush Symptoms
1.A whitish sheen to the babys saliva.
2.Fussiness at the breast.
3.Clicking sounds during the time of feeding.
4.Refusing to drink breast milk.
5.Poor weight gain and considerable weight loss.
6.Nappy rash frequently.
7.Dribble saliva increasingly.