Oral thrush is treated by the Department of Stomatology.

Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
Updated on February 02, 2025
00:00
00:00

Thrush is a disease caused by Candida albicans infection of the oral mucosa, which is more common in infants and young children, especially those with weakened immune systems or those who are taking steroids or immunosuppressants. If the baby develops thrush during the newborn period, they should be seen at the neonatology clinic. If the thrush occurs after one month of age, older infants can be seen at the pediatric clinic during normal working hours. During non-working hours, such as noon, evening, weekends, or holidays, pediatric emergency services are available. If convenient, a pediatric dentistry clinic can also be visited.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
47sec home-news-image

Does thrush need treatment?

Oral thrush is a white Candida infection of the oral mucosa, which certainly requires timely treatment. Firstly, oral thrush causes discomfort in the mouth; secondly, if left untreated for an extended period, it may also spread to the pharyngeal area. Thirdly, recurrent episodes of oral thrush can lead to decreased immunity and may facilitate subsequent infections. Therefore, active treatment is necessary. Treatment primarily involves using 2% baking soda solution to rinse the mouth. In severe cases, adding nystatin for oral rinsing might be required. Of course, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial, and all tools that come into contact with the mouth must be thoroughly disinfected.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
50sec home-news-image

How to treat thrush?

Thrush is caused by an infection of the oral mucosa with Candida albicans, so the treatment focuses on addressing this cause. It is advisable to wash the oral cavity with 2% baking soda water, 3-4 times a day, which generally leads to recovery. If the effect is still not satisfactory, nystatin can be added, dissolved in 2% baking soda water for oral application. Of course, thrush infections are very prone to recurrence. The most important factor causing recurrence is hygiene. Therefore, all items such as bottles, cups, and spoons that come into contact with the baby's mouth should be boiled and sterilized after each use. If breastfeeding, the mother's breasts and nipples should be cleaned with 2% baking soda before and after feeding to avoid recurrence. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
39sec home-news-image

What is thrush?

Thrush is a fungal infection that commonly occurs in infants and young children, especially those with weakened immunity due to prolonged use of immunosuppressants or steroids. It is caused by the infection of oral mucous membranes by Candida albicans. Commonly affected areas include the oral cavity, mucous membranes, gums, and tongue. It appears as white patches on the mucosa that generally cannot be wiped off with a cotton swab. Forceful wiping may lead to bleeding. Treatment mainly involves topical medication, a light diet, and maintaining good oral hygiene, which is very important.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
51sec home-news-image

Thrush lacks what element

Oral thrush is not due to a deficiency in any elements, but mainly occurs when there is a fungal infection, improper hygiene, or a decrease in immune function in children, presenting as a common disease characterized by white powdery substances inside the mouth. In terms of treatment, it primarily focuses on addressing the cause of the oral thrush, such as improving immunity if immune function is compromised. If it is simply a fungal infection, we can clean the mouth with sodium bicarbonate and then apply crushed antifungal tablets mixed into a paste with vitamin AD drops to the affected area. Usually, after thorough cleansing, enhancing immunity, and proper care, healing can be achieved in about a week.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
42sec home-news-image

What department should I go to for thrush?

Thrush is a disease caused by oral mucosal infection with Candida albicans, and typically, one should visit the pediatric department or the department of stomatology during normal working hours. During off-hours, such as noon, evening, weekends, and holidays, it is appropriate to see pediatric emergency or dental emergency services. For newborns with thrush, a visit to the neonatology department is recommended. Children with underlying immunodeficiency diseases or those taking immunosuppressive steroid medications should visit the department that treats their primary condition. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)