Does thrush need treatment?

Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
Updated on September 16, 2024
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Oral thrush is a white Candida infection of the oral mucosa, which certainly requires timely treatment. Firstly, oral thrush causes discomfort in the mouth; secondly, if left untreated for an extended period, it may also spread to the pharyngeal area. Thirdly, recurrent episodes of oral thrush can lead to decreased immunity and may facilitate subsequent infections. Therefore, active treatment is necessary. Treatment primarily involves using 2% baking soda solution to rinse the mouth. In severe cases, adding nystatin for oral rinsing might be required. Of course, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial, and all tools that come into contact with the mouth must be thoroughly disinfected.

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Can thrush heal by itself?

Thrush is generally caused by a fungal infection due to an imbalance in the microbial flora, primarily involving the formation of a white plaque membrane by Candida albicans on the surface of the oral mucosa. It is mainly seen in individuals with lowered immunity, such as those with long-term malnutrition, repeated use of antibiotics, diarrhea, or the use of certain medications like corticosteroids. Additionally, unsanitary conditions during breastfeeding, fungal contamination on the mother's nipples, or fungal infection from nursing equipment can also lead to thrush. Typically, thrush does not require special antimicrobial medication. If the baby's immunity improves and their intestinal flora are properly established, thrush can heal spontaneously. It is generally recommended to orally take some probiotics and enhance oral care, which can include cleaning the oral cavity with 2% sodium bicarbonate before and after breastfeeding, or locally applying antifungal agents to suppress the fungal growth in the mouth.

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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.

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How is thrush treated?

Thrush is a mucosal lesion in the mouth caused by an infection with Candida albicans, commonly seen in infants and young children, especially those with compromised immune systems, such as those using steroids or immunosuppressants. The main approach to treatment is symptomatic and supportive, primarily involving topical application of medications. Dietary management is also crucial, typically involving the provision of bland, non-irritating foods. The use of sugary, greasy foods should be avoided to prevent exacerbating the symptoms. Of course, another important aspect of treatment is preventing reinfection by maintaining good hygiene, especially with food. All items that come into contact with the child's mouth, including pacifiers, bottles, and spoons, should be sterilized after each use. If breastfeeding, the cleanliness of the mother's nipples and breasts is also very important. (Specific medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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What to do about baby thrush?

Thrush in babies generally indicates that the child has low immune function, or it has been caused by the long-term use of antibiotics, leading to an imbalance of bacteria and the overgrowth of white Candida in the oral mucosa. Thrush is not scary, and we can generally treat it by using 2.5% sodium bicarbonate to clean the mouth, followed by applying nystatin tablets to the oral cavity three times a day. It usually heals in three to five days. However, thrush tends to recur, so it's important to pay attention to oral hygiene.

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How to completely cure thrush?

Oral thrush is caused by the infection of the oral mucosa with Candida albicans, so the following points should be emphasized in treatment to achieve a radical cure. Firstly, treatment should aim at the cause. It is recommended to use bicarbonate medications to wash the mouth. In severe cases, antifungal agents can be used together with the bicarbonate solution to cleanse the mouth, and the treatment duration should be sufficient to eradicate the condition. Secondly, it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene. All tools entering the baby's mouth should be sanitized before and after each use, not just daily. Thirdly, children with recurrent oral thrush usually have relatively poor immunity. It is important to maintain sanitation, take probiotics orally, and manage gastrointestinal functions. At the same time, proactive infection prevention is necessary and, if there are underlying primary diseases, active treatment of these is also required to prevent recurrent oral thrush. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor)