The mouth normally contains many microorganisms. One of these normal microorganisms is the fungus Candida albicans, which is the same fungus associated with vaginal yeast infections or other Candida infections. The growth of Candida is normally kept under control by the presence of normal bacteria.

Uncontrolled overgrowth of Candida in the mouth may be caused by factors that reduce the natural resistance, such as illness, stress, long-term use of corticosteroids or medications that suppress the immune system, and immune disorders such as (AIDS).

It may also be caused by conditions that upset the balance of normal microorganisms in the mouth. This is most commonly associated with use of antibiotics, but it may also occur with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and with the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy or the use of birth control pills.

Oral thrush is most common in infants and toddlers, in the elderly, and in people who are debilitated or whose immune system has been suppressed by disease or medical treatments.

Thrush in infants is common and is usually not associated with other diseases. Infant thrush that resists treatment or recurs frequently should raise suspicions for an underlying disorder.

In adolescents, young adults, and middle age adults, an oral Candida infection should always be viewed as a possible symptom of an underlying medical problem, such as diabetes or HIV infection, and should be evaluated.

Thrush (Yeast) Infection in Children

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Thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth. Yeasts are simple organisms that are normally found on or in many parts of the body. Ordinarily, yeasts cause no symptoms. However, certain conditions can allow the yeast population to explode and cause an infection.

What conditions can lead to a yeast infection?
Conditions that can lead to a yeast infection include:

• antibiotic use,
• decreased immune system function,
• during birth if the mother has a yeast infection of the birth canal, or
• immediately after birth from close contact with other family members.

Yeasts thrive in chronically moist areas, so yeast infections tend to occur in the mouth, skin folds, and groin.

What should I know about yeast infections in children?
Thrush, a yeast infection of the mouth and throat, appears as creamy white, curd-like patches on the tongue and the inside of the mouth and throat. This yeast infection can spread from the child's mouth to other parts of the body where there is moist or irritated skin. For example, in a child that sucks his or her thumb, the skin around the thumbnail may become red with a candida-type of yeast infection.

Yeast infections such as thrush in the mouth and those in the diaper area are treated with an anti-fungal medication such as Nystatin or an over-the-counter preparation such as Mycostatin, Diflucan or Lotrimin.

Children with thrush do not have to be kept home from daycare. To prevent spread of infection, dispose of diapers and other infected materials carefully and wash hands after every contact with the infected area.

If you or your child have any signs of yeast infection see your doctor for a full evaluation.