Quick read
Key points
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Oral thrush is a common fungal infection in babies, caused by an overgrowth of Candida, which appears as white patches on the tongue, inside the cheeks, or on the gums, and doesn't wipe away easily like milk residue does. It can sometimes make feeding uncomfortable for the baby.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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White patches don't improve after treatment
01 · Know
What is Oral Thrush (Mouth Thrush)?
Oral thrush is a common fungal infection in babies, caused by an overgrowth of Candida, which appears as white patches on the tongue, inside the cheeks, or on the gums, and doesn't wipe away easily like milk residue does. It can sometimes make feeding uncomfortable for the baby.
It's common in young babies, partly because their immune systems are still developing, and is easily treated with an antifungal medication prescribed or recommended by a doctor or pharmacist.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
It can pass between baby and breastfeeding parent
If a breastfed baby has oral thrush, the fungal infection can sometimes pass to the nipples, causing soreness — both may need treatment at the same time to fully clear it.
03 · Act
When to See a Doctor
- 1White patches don't improve after treatment
- 2Your baby is having difficulty feeding because of soreness
- 3The patches spread beyond the mouth
- 4You develop sore or itchy nipples alongside your baby's symptoms while breastfeeding
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Sterilise Feeding Equipment During Treatment
Bottles, dummies, and breast pump parts should be sterilised regularly during treatment to prevent the infection from recurring.
- 1Use the prescribed or recommended antifungal treatment.This is usually a gel or liquid applied directly to the affected areas in the mouth, as directed.
- 2Sterilise dummies, bottles, and pump parts.This helps prevent reinfection during and after treatment.
- 3Treat both baby and breastfeeding parent if needed.If nipple soreness or thrush symptoms appear in the breastfeeding parent, both usually need treatment together.
- 4Continue feeding as normal.Oral thrush doesn't usually need feeding to stop, though it may be temporarily uncomfortable.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Oral thrush (mouth thrush) ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Oral thrush is common in babies and clears up well with the right antifungal treatment.
Sterilising feeding equipment during treatment helps prevent the infection from coming straight back.