Causes of Thrush in Toddlers

Thrush, or Candidiasis, is an overgrowth of the fungus Candida. This fungus naturally occurs in small amounts on and in the body, but certain things can cause an overgrowth of this fungus. Thrush is common in babies and toddlers and has several causes.

Symptoms

Thrush appears as white, curdle-like patches on the tongue, roof of the mouth and inside of the cheek. It is often mistaken as milk, but if you scrape it, you will find red inflamed skin underneath that sometimes bleeds.

Cause: Medications

Toddlers who take antibiotics are more likely to get thrush. This is because the antibiotics, as well as killing the bad bacteria, also kill the good bacteria that keep the Candida fungus from growing too much.

Cause: Person-to-Person Contact

If a toddler is still nursing, he can get thrush from his mother's infected nipples. He can also get it if an infected person does not practice good hand washing and touches him.

Cause: Contaminated Objects

If a toddler's younger sibling has thrush, the toddler can get thrush by putting contaminated bottles, toys or pacifiers in her mouth.

Treatment

Thrush is often treated with an anti-fungal medication prescribed by a doctor.

Resources

• Guide to Oral Thrush