Is oral thrush contagious?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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Oral thrush is an infection caused by Candida albicans due to certain specific conditions, such as a weakened immune system or long-term malnutrition, prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics or corticosteroid hormones, and dysbiosis in the intestinal flora. It primarily manifests as white patches on the oral mucosa. During breastfeeding, if Candida contaminates the nipples or nursing equipment, it can also lead to oral thrush. Generally, oral thrush is not highly contagious. It is recommended to maintain good hygiene and proper oral care. Generally, breastfeeding is not significantly affected under normal circumstances.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Is thrush easy to cure?

Thrush is a common oral disease in children, particularly in infants, caused by Candida albicans infection. Thrush is not easy to cure, so it is essential to treat it promptly when an oral infection occurs. It is necessary to apply a suspension of sodium bicarbonate and an antifungal agent locally to the child's mouth, and all items that enter the mouth, such as bottles and pacifiers, must be sterilized at high temperatures. If the child is breastfed, the mother's nipples should also be thoroughly cleaned. Additionally, for children who have been using antibiotics or corticosteroids for a long time, or who have weakened immune systems, it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent the occurrence of thrush. Because all these details about thrush need attention, once diagnosed, it must be treated promptly; otherwise, it is truly not easy to recover from. (Please follow medical advice for the use of medication.)

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Can thrush be wiped off?

Oral thrush is caused by an infection of Candida albicans, typically forming white plaques on the surface of the oral mucous membrane. These plaques generally appear as small, curd-like spots or dot-like patches that can merge into a large area and are difficult to wipe off. If forcibly removed, the underlying oral mucosa may become reddened, rough, and even bleed. Therefore, one should not attempt to wipe it off and instead should seek proper treatment. The usual treatment involves the local application of 2% baking soda solution. This type of oral thrush generally does not affect a child's appetite or quality of life.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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How to treat thrush?

Thrush is caused by an infection of the oral mucosa with Candida albicans, so the treatment focuses on addressing this cause. It is advisable to wash the oral cavity with 2% baking soda water, 3-4 times a day, which generally leads to recovery. If the effect is still not satisfactory, nystatin can be added, dissolved in 2% baking soda water for oral application. Of course, thrush infections are very prone to recurrence. The most important factor causing recurrence is hygiene. Therefore, all items such as bottles, cups, and spoons that come into contact with the baby's mouth should be boiled and sterilized after each use. If breastfeeding, the mother's breasts and nipples should be cleaned with 2% baking soda before and after feeding to avoid recurrence. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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How to completely eradicate recurrent thrush?

Thrush is inherently prone to recurrence, and the difficulty in eradication is primarily due to poor hygiene, so figuring out how to effectively treat it is crucial. Firstly, active treatment should be implemented. The mouth should be rinsed with 2% baking soda solution at least four times a day. In severe cases, an antifungal agent can be added to the 2% baking soda solution for mouth rinsing. This is the primary step. Secondly, proper hygiene must be maintained. In principle, all items that come into contact with the baby's mouth, including pacifiers and bottles, need to be disinfected promptly. Of course, if breastfeeding, the cleanliness of the nipples and breasts is also very important.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Is thrush easy to scrape off?

Oral thrush is caused by an infection with Candida albicans, resulting in localized lesions on the oral mucosa. Typically, a white membranous layer appears on the affected mucosa, which is difficult to wipe off. Forceful removal can lead to submucosal bleeding, which means it is not advisable to scrub the area. Instead, rinsing the mouth with about 2% baking soda solution is the correct approach, and this can relieve most symptoms. Additionally, it is important to maintain proper disinfection and hygiene. All tools that come into contact with the child's mouth during the period of oral thrush should be disinfected before and after each use. Consuming probiotics can also help manage the condition, reducing the likelihood of recurrence.