Thrush should be seen by the Department of Stomatology.

Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Thrush is a mucosal lesion in the mouth caused by an infection of Candida albicans. Which department to visit depends on the child's age, the specific condition of the disease, and whether there are any underlying diseases. Usually, if it is a newborn, they should visit the neonatology clinic. For infants and young children, it is generally appropriate to visit the pediatric clinic or pediatric emergency department during normal working hours. During non-working hours, which means noon, night, weekends, and holidays, the pediatric emergency department should be visited. Of course, if the child has an underlying disease or is taking immunosuppressants that lead to a decrease in immunity, causing thrush, the department treating the primary disease should be consulted.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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What does thrush look like?

Children with thrush mainly suffer from an infection by Candida albicans. In the child’s oral mucosa, including the lips and pharynx, a white membranous substance can be observed, which cannot be wiped off. In this situation, thrush should be considered. Often, it is due to the child repeatedly having an infection, the long-term use of antibiotics or corticosteroids, leading to decreased immunity and thus the occurrence of thrush. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to oral care. Once thrush is diagnosed, the child should be locally treated with a sodium bicarbonate solution and an antifungal to quickly treat the thrush. At the same time, it's important to prevent diseases from entering through the mouth. All items entering the mouth, like bottles and milk utensils, should be sterilized at high temperatures.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Is oral thrush contagious?

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 Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Oral thrush is treated in the department of stomatology.

Thrush is a disease caused by the infection of oral mucosa by Candida albicans. Depending on the age of onset of thrush, different departments should be chosen for treatment. If the disease occurs in the newborn period, the neonatology outpatient clinic should be visited. If the child is over one month old, they can be seen at the dental clinic or the pediatric outpatient clinic during normal working hours. During non-working hours, such as noon, evening, weekends, and holidays, the pediatric emergency department should be consulted. Of course, some cases of thrush occur because the individual has an underlying disease, including immunodeficiency, current use of immunosuppressive drugs, or long-term use of steroids; in such cases, the outpatient clinic of the department treating the primary disease should be visited.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What to do if the baby has thrush?

Oral thrush is caused by the parasitic proliferation of Candida albicans in the mucous membrane of the mouth. It is a secondary infection typically seen in individuals with weakened immune systems or those who have been using antibiotics for an extended period. In such cases, initially, one can use a 2.5% sodium bicarbonate solution to rinse the mouth, specifically targeting the areas affected by thrush. After meals, crush nystatin tablets and apply the powder to the areas with thrush, using this method three times a day. Additionally, taking probiotics orally, such as Bifidobacteria, can aid in treatment. Generally, these measures can control the condition within 3 to 5 days.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How to prevent thrush

Thrush is a common oral disease in children, primarily caused by Candida albicans infection. Once diagnosed, it needs to be actively treated, generally with nystatin and sodium bicarbonate applied locally. It is essential to prevent thrush, starting with oral hygiene and care for the mouth. Additionally, all items that enter the mouth should be sterilized at high temperatures; bottles and pacifiers must be regularly sterilized, and for breastfeeding children, the mother's nipples should also be washed with clean water. The most critical point is to strengthen the immune system to prevent the frequent use of antibiotics and hormonal drugs, which can predispose children to thrush. Parents must pay close attention to this, so enhancing the immune system is very important to avoid illness and ensure proper care of the child. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)