I noticed something resembling milk residue on Nayul's tongue. Naturally, I thought it was due to formula milk and searched for "newborn milk residue." Surprisingly, I found links to a medical condition as well - oral thrush in newborns. 😲
(My wife scolded me for even thinking of uploading such photos..😅) I hoped it wasn't oral thrush and decided to research more about it.
Newborn Oral Thrush
It is caused by a fungus called Candida albicans infecting the mucosal tissues inside the mouth (in simpler terms, a fungal growth in the mouth..😱). It looks very similar to milk residue.
While a small amount of Candida exists naturally in our mouths and is usually harmless due to our immune system, it can become problematic in premature babies or those with weak immunity. The fungus can grow if there are injuries inside the mouth or if the baby is infected during delivery through the mother's birth canal. It can also occur if the baby's mouth isn't kept clean or if there's inadequate sterilization of nipples or bottles.
Causes of Oral Thrush Infection Include:
👉 Infection from the mother during delivery.
👉 Weak immunity.
👉 Nutritional deficiencies.
👉 Unhygienic environment.
In breastfeeding cases, the infection can be transferred from the mother, especially if there are wounds on the nipples, long-term use of antibiotics or steroids, or if breastfeeding pads aren't changed regularly. If the baby has an immune deficiency, recurrent oral thrush can occur, warranting a specialized check-up.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Oral Thrush
As mentioned, oral thrush manifests as white patches on the tongue and inside the mouth, resembling milk residue. Some babies might show reduced appetite during feedings. Though it often resolves on its own within days with proper nutrition, persistent symptoms need a doctor's attention. The white patches are sometimes scraped off for microscopic examination at hospitals. If treatment is deemed necessary, antifungal medications (e.g., nystatin, Mycostatin) are prescribed. Follow the doctor's instructions and duration of treatment carefully. If a breastfeeding mother has symptoms of thrush, she might be prescribed nystatin too.
Nystatin Definition (as per Seoul Asan Hospital)
👉 An antibiotic used to treat conditions like candidiasis on skin and mucous membranes.
Prevention of Oral Thrush
For those using bottles, it's crucial to thoroughly clean and sterilize all feeding equipment, including nipples. Prolonged sucking on bottle nipples can cause mucosal injury and subsequent fungal growth. Limit feeding sessions to 20 minutes or less (easier said than done, right? 🥲). If using teething toys or pacifiers, ensure they're cleaned and sterilized regularly. Candida thrives in damp environments, like diapers, so frequent diaper changes are essential. Always wash your hands after handling diapers.~💦
So, was the white substance in Nayul's mouth due to Candida or just milk residue? I thought of wiping it off with a clean gauze and water but ended up using oral tissues that my wife had purchased before giving birth.
When I asked her why she bought them, she mentioned she thought they'd be essential during childbirth..😲 (It felt somewhat unnecessary now..😅).
I intended to check for thrush, but it turned out to be Nayul's first "tooth brushing." I couldn't observe any residue after that (Nayul refused to open her mouth...😅).
Hoping it's not oral thrush~ Hahaha.
Study notes from May 8, 2023