When parents see white patches on their baby's tongue, they often wonder whether it is milk residue or thrush. This article helps you tell the difference and care for your baby gently.
- Thrush shows as sticky white patches on a baby's tongue, cheeks or palate, caused by yeast growing too much.
- Milk residue wipes off easily, while thrush clings and is hard to remove.
- Parents should clean the mouth gently, sterilise bottles and teats, and avoid giving any medicine without a doctor's instruction.
- If the patches last over a week, spread, or the baby refuses to feed, see a doctor.
What is oral thrush in babies?
Oral thrush is a condition in which white patches that look like curdled milk appear on the tongue, inside the cheeks or on the roof of the mouth. It happens when a yeast that normally lives in the mouth grows too much. It is common in newborns and small babies because their defences are still developing.
How can you tell it from milk residue?
This is where parents are often confused. Here is a gentle way to compare the two:
- Milk residue: a thin white film on the tongue surface that wipes away easily with clean gauze moistened with boiled, cooled water.
- Thrush: sticky white patches that are hard to wipe off; if you try, the base may look red and the baby may cry from soreness.
Please do not scrape hard, because the baby's delicate lining is easily scratched.
Signs that often come with it
- The baby feeds poorly, refuses to feed or fusses while feeding.
- The white patches spread to the cheeks, palate or throat.
- The mouth looks red, and the corners of the lips may crack.
- A breastfeeding mother may notice sore, burning or itchy nipples.
How can parents care for the baby?
- After each feed, clean the mouth gently with clean gauze moistened with boiled, cooled water. Wipe softly and never scrub.
- Wash and sterilise bottles, teats and any toys the baby chews on, and keep the mother's nipples clean.
- Do not apply anything or give any medicine without the doctor's instruction.
When should you see a doctor?
Take the baby to a doctor if the white patches last more than a week, keep spreading, or if the baby stops feeding, has a fever or cries a great deal. A paediatrician will assess the baby and suggest what suits their age.
When your baby starts teething, you may also read about whether teething causes fever and fussiness, and when to bring a child for a first dental visit. You are welcome to visit Nha Khoa Kỳ Hòa, 266A - 268, 3 Tháng 2 Street, Hòa Hưng Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 (Zalo 082.299.3377) to ask about oral care for your child.
Frequently asked questions
Does thrush in babies go away by itself?
Mild cases may improve, but if the patches last, spread or the baby feeds poorly, it is best to see a doctor for guidance.
Is thrush contagious?
The yeast can pass through teats, bottles or toys the baby chews. That is why parents should clean and sterilise these items regularly.
Should I scrape the white patches off my baby's tongue?
No. Scraping can scratch the baby's delicate lining. Only wipe gently with clean gauze moistened with boiled, cooled water.