As a parent, seeing your baby go through any discomfort or pain can be one of the worst feelings. For as much as we take care of their health, sometimes issues arise that are unavoidable.
One of the most common symptoms is oral thrush, an overgrowth of fungus on their tongue. Not only can it be uncomfortable, but it can also make your child very uneasy and possibly even in pain. It’s essential to catch it early and take action, but many of you may be wondering what home remedies can help clear it up naturally.
In this article, we will go over home remedies for your baby’s oral thrush to ensure that you know how to properly care for them while they heal.
What is Oral Thrush in Babies?
Oral thrush is a fungal infection on a baby’s tongue and mouth. It is most commonly seen in newborns and infants under the age of six months and is known to cause discomfort and irritation.
It can cause white or cream-colored patches to form on the tongue, inside of the cheeks, gums, or roof of the mouth. Oral thrush may also appear as milk residue, but it will not wipe off easily.
Thrush makes it hard for your child to feed and causes painful sores in the mouth. While oral thrush is typically mild, if it is left untreated, it can spread or cause more problems, such as difficulties with eating or swallowing.
The good news is that with the right care, oral thrush can be treated at home and often does not require a prescription from the doctor. Let’s take a look at some home remedies that you can use to help cure your baby’s oral thrush.
1. Clean with Saltwater
The simplest and one of the most effective ways of ridding your baby’s mouth of oral thrush is by cleaning it out with a mild saltwater rinse. The saltwater will help to kill the fungus that is growing in their mouth.
How to do it:
Dissolve a small pinch of salt into a cup of boiled water.
Dip a clean piece of gauze or soft cloth into the solution.
Use the gauze to gently rub your baby’s tongue and inside of the cheeks with the solution, being careful not to irritate the soft tissue of their mouth.
Repeat this process 2-3 times per day.
Saltwater rinses can be done after feeding times as a way to clear out the mouth and give them relief from the discomfort of the infection.
Related: 10 Healthy Meal Ideas for 9-Month-Old Babies
2. Breastfeeding and Latching Technique
If you breastfeed your child, then you need to be mindful of any thrush on their tongue or in your breasts. Oral thrush in babies can be easily passed back and forth between parent and child, especially through breastfeeding. If you notice any discomfort, soreness, or itching on your breasts or nipples, it’s best to make sure you treat the issue as soon as possible.
You also want to ensure you are latching them on the right way so you don’t cause additional friction and discomfort for your baby. The wrong latching technique can cause soreness that can aggravate the symptoms and make it more difficult for them to heal.
3. Coconut Oil for the Mouth
Coconut oil has been used for generations for its antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help kill Candida and prevent the oral thrush from returning.
How to do it:
Gently apply a small amount of organic coconut oil to a clean cloth or cotton swab.
Rub or wipe your baby’s mouth gently, focusing on the infected areas where the white patches are more prominent.
You can also apply coconut oil to your nipples if you breastfeed your child as well.
This method can be used 2-3 times per day.
Coconut oil can also help reduce irritation in the mouth and give your baby relief from the burn of the thrush.
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4. Probiotics for Baby and Mom
Probiotics contain live bacteria that can help improve the balance of good and bad bacteria in your baby’s body. Probiotics can help prevent the overgrowth of Candida in the mouth and treat oral thrush.
How to do it:
For babies over six months old, it is a good idea to give them probiotic supplements that are in liquid form. Probiotics with a Lactobacillus strain of bacteria are best for the gut.
If your child is younger than six months old, then you can also take probiotics for them to improve the bacteria in their body and prevent re-infection.
You can also try to include more probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir, or other fermented foods into your diet to increase the body’s immunity against the infection.
Related: How to Help Your Baby Sleep Better
5. Breastfeeding Hygiene
If you are breastfeeding your child, it is important that you take extra care to prevent the spread of thrush between you and your child. Thrush is more likely to thrive in warm, moist environments, so your baby’s mouth and your breast are two common places for the fungus to take root. You can avoid this by being extra careful with hygiene.
How to do it:
Be sure to wash your hands before and after each breastfeeding session.
Sterilize bottles, pacifiers, or any breast pump parts that may come in contact with your baby’s mouth.
Wipe down your breasts with a damp, clean cloth after each feeding and air-dry them to avoid moisture buildup.
Also, change your child’s clothes and bibs regularly to prevent any thrush from spreading.
Related: What Are White Curds in Babies? Causes, Symptoms, and What to Do
6. Baking Soda to Balance pH
Baking soda is another good home remedy to help clear up your baby’s mouth from oral thrush. Baking soda is excellent at neutralizing the acid in the mouth and can also help clean the surface where thrush is visible.
How to do it:
Mix a small amount of baking soda with a cup of warm water.
Use a clean cloth to wipe your baby’s mouth gently and focus on the areas with more white patches.
Repeat the process 2-3 times per day, especially after feeding times.
Baking soda is an inexpensive and natural home remedy that can help relieve some of the symptoms of oral thrush.
7. Ginger for Its Antifungal Properties
Ginger is known for its many antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help with your baby’s thrush by reducing the swelling in their mouth and killing the Candida fungus.
How to do it:
Boil a small piece of ginger root in water for a few minutes, and then let it cool.
Once cooled, dip a cotton ball or soft cloth in the ginger water and wipe your baby’s mouth gently.
You can also add small amounts of ginger to your diet to help fight off the infection.
Related: 7 Things to Do When Your Baby Is Teething
8. Avoid Sugar and Processed Foods
Sugar feeds Candida, so to avoid oral thrush, try to avoid sugary foods and drinks. Also, avoid processed carbs, as they can also fuel the overgrowth of the fungus in the mouth. While it may be difficult to control what your baby eats, mothers who breastfeed should also ensure that they are not eating a lot of sugar, white flour, and refined carbs.
Instead, try to focus on eating a well-balanced diet of whole foods such as vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. This will help you maintain your body’s natural balance.
When to Get Professional Treatment
Home remedies are great and can be incredibly effective. However, there are instances when you will need professional treatment to ensure that the condition of your baby does not worsen. If your child’s thrush doesn’t clear up in a few days of home treatment or if it becomes more severe, then you should contact a pediatrician.
In some cases, the doctor may prescribe antifungal medications such as nystatin or fluconazole to help treat the infection.
Final Thoughts
Oral thrush in babies can be extremely uncomfortable, but with a little bit of extra care, it can be effectively treated. With the right home remedies, such as coconut oil, good breastfeeding techniques, and hygiene, you can help ease your baby’s discomfort and get rid of the oral thrush that is making them so uncomfortable. If you notice the thrush is not getting better or is getting worse, it’s important to contact your pediatrician and seek medical advice.
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