My baby girl have oral thrush. What to give her to eat ?? #Asktheexpert

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Accepted Answer

Oral thrush in babies is a common fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of a yeast called Candida in the mouth. It appears as white patches on the tongue, inside the cheeks, and on the roof of the mouth. While oral thrush is not usually harmful, it can make eating and drinking uncomfortable for your baby.

What to Give Your Baby with Oral Thrush:

1. Breastfeeding or Formula:

Continue breastfeeding or giving formula, as the infection usually does not affect their ability to suckle. However, be cautious that your baby doesn’t get discomfort while breastfeeding. You can also ensure that both your baby and your nipples are kept clean if you're breastfeeding.

2. Soft Foods (for older babies):

If your baby is eating solids, provide soft and bland foods like mashed potatoes, plain yogurt (unsweetened), smooth rice cereal, or mashed fruits like banana or apple sauce.

Avoid acidic or spicy foods, as they can irritate the thrush sores in your baby's mouth.

3. Avoid Sugary Foods:

Avoid foods or drinks with high sugar content. Yeast thrives in sugary environments, so giving sugary foods can worsen the thrush infection.

4. Hydration:

Make sure your baby stays hydrated by offering plenty of fluids (breast milk, formula, or water for older babies). Keeping the mouth moist can help soothe the irritation caused by thrush.

Treatment Options:

Antifungal Treatment: Your doctor may recommend an antifungal medication, such as nystatin or fluconazole, which will help clear the infection. Apply the medication as directed, often directly to the affected areas of the mouth.

Clean the Baby’s Mouth: After feeding, use a clean, damp cloth or gauze pad to wipe your baby’s mouth and gums gently. This helps reduce the buildup of the yeast.

When to See a Doctor:

If the thrush doesn’t clear up after a few days of treatment, or if it becomes painful for your baby to eat or drink, consult your pediatrician.

If thrush is causing feeding difficulties or if it seems to be spreading to other parts of the body (e.g., diaper rash), you should seek medical advice.

By managing oral thrush with the right foods and following treatment recommendations, your baby should recover in a few days to a week. Always consult your pediatrician for the best course of action tailored to your baby’s specific needs.