Oral thrush

Thrush is caused by a yeast infection called candida, and it can occur in many different parts of the body, as well as the mouth. Candida is easily treated with antifungal medications that come in the form of oral gel, pessaries, creams or tablets. The recommended treatment depends on where the infection is.

It is possible to pass thrush on, and it is common for a baby with oral thrush to pass it on and cause a candidal nipple infection.

There are some simple ways to avoid common causes of oral thrush. For children, sterilising bottles and dummies will reduce the chance of infection.

Adults should avoid smoking and ensure good dental hygiene.

If you use an inhaler, you should change your spacer once a year and make sure you are rinsing your mouth after using the inhaler. If your still find you are getting thrush even after this technique you can look to use a spacer device or ask your doctor to switch your inhaler.

If you wear dentures you should avoid wearing dentures at night.

Is there a link between breastfeeding and oral thrush in babies?

While oral thrush can occur in individuals of any age, it is relatively common in infants, particularly those who are breastfeeding.

The main reason for the association between breastfeeding and oral thrush is the transfer of Candida albicans from the mother's nipple to the baby's mouth during breastfeeding. This can happen if the mother has a Candida infection on her nipples or in her milk ducts. Factors that increase the risk of Candida overgrowth in breastfeeding mothers include:

1. If the mother's nipples are not cleaned properly before breastfeeding or if moisture is trapped under breast pads or clothing, it can create an environment conducive to yeast growth.

2. Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of natural bacteria in the body, allowing Candida to proliferate. If the mother is taking antibiotics, there may be an increased risk of developing a Candida infection on the nipples or in the milk ducts.

3. Cracks or wounds on the nipples provide an entry point for Candida albicans, increasing the risk of infection.

Oral thrush is typically treated using antifungal medications, which may be available over-the-counter or prescribed by your doctor, depending on the severity of the infection. Here are some common treatments for oral thrush in the UK:

1. Over-the-counter antifungal gels such as Daktarin, containing ingredients such as nystatin or miconazole, are commonly used to treat oral thrush. These medications work by directly targeting the Candida fungus, helping to eliminate the infection and alleviate symptoms.

2. In cases of more severe or persistent oral thrush, your doctor may prescribe stronger antifungal medications, such as fluconazole. These medications may be taken orally.

3. Antifungal creams or ointments containing ingredients like clotrimazole or ketoconazole may be prescribed to treat oral thrush, particularly in cases where the infection has spread to the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis) or the nipples in breastfeeding.

4. In severe cases of oral thrush or in individuals who are immunocompromised, oral antifungal tablets may be prescribed. These medications are taken by mouth and work systemically to eliminate the Candida infection throughout the body.

5. In addition to antifungal medications, practising good oral hygiene is essential for treating and preventing oral thrush. This includes brushing the teeth and tongue regularly, using a soft toothbrush to avoid irritation, and rinsing the mouth with water after using inhaled corticosteroids, which can increase the risk of oral thrush.

6. xIf oral thrush is recurrent or persistent, it's essential to identify and treat any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the infection. This may include addressing immune system disorders, managing diabetes or other chronic health conditions, or adjusting medications that may be causing oral thrush as a side effect.

If your child has oral thrush and is more than 4 months old, your pharmacist will be able to recommend some treatment that can be trialled for mild symptoms without seeing your doctor.

Children under 4 months old, or adults with an unexplained cause of oral thrush, should book a routine appointment with their doctor and could trial some treatment from their pharmacist in the meantime.

You should also speak to your doctor if there is pain or soreness when eating and drinking or if the symptoms are particularly severe or recurrent.