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Oral Thrush in Babies

Our mouths are home to millions of organisms, some good and some bad.  For most, a healthy immune system will keep harmful organisms at bay.  But one fungal organism, also known as Thrush, can easily take over in the oral cavity, Candida Albicans.  It is the overgrowth of yeast in a baby’s mouth.  A common condition that affects newborns and new mothers.

Causes of Oral Thrush

Babies can develop oral thrush for a number of reasons, but usually, it is because their immune system is not fully developed and isn’t able to fight off certain organisms.

A mother who had a vaginal yeast infection while pregnant or during delivery can easily pass this infection to their babies through oral thrush.  Also, thrush flourishes on the yeast that is found in breast milk.  It infects the mother’s nipples and milk ducts, then which can result in an oral thrush infection for a baby. Best Cosmetic Dentist AL Daphne

When a sick baby is prescribed antibiotics, the medications can affect the balance of good and bad microbes.  This becomes an ideal place for oral thrush to grow.  Thrush can be based on the mother during breastfeeding.  Cross-infection can occur if the mother has been on any antibiotics during pregnancy or even around the time of delivery.  Taking steroids and oral contraceptives can also be a haven for thrush.

A baby that uses a pacifier can also increase the risk of oral thrush.  A nursing mother who takes in a large amount of sweets and dairy products can also up the risk of thrush.  If a breastfeeding mother is anemic or diabetic, they have a higher risk of contracting a yeast infection that can result in oral thrush for their baby. Best Cosmetic Dentist AL Daphne

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