A white tongue in infants is associated with oral thrush, a medical condition caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans. Thrush is common in infants, says the National Institutes of Health, and it's typically not problematic unless it persists beyond two weeks. Because oral yeast infections are passed from nursing mothers to their infants, your baby's white tongue might not be the only sign of thrush you notice--you may also experience symptoms as well.
Thrush in Your Baby
Thrush in infants presents as creamy, white patches on the tongue, gums or inner cheek, says the Mayo Clinic. Underneath the white lesions are tender red spots that may bleed easily. Lesions can increase in size and number. Your infant may experience pain if you try to scrape the film away. Additionally, your infant may fuss and become more irritable or have difficulty feeding, says the Mayo Clinic.
Your Symptoms
If you experience nipple pain that won't go away during the first few weeks of breastfeeding or onset of pain after uneventful nursing, you may have a yeast infection of the nipples, says the La Leche League. You may also experience other symptoms, such as cracked or itchy, burning nipples that appear blistered or flaky. Shooting pains in your breasts during and after nursing may also be present, as well as deep or intense breast pain, says the La Leche League.
Cause of Thrush
Your immune system is continually battling unwanted intruders, such as viruses, bacteria and fungi, such as yeast, while striving to maintain a careful balance of beneficial and harmful microbes inside of your body, says the Mayo Clinic. Thrush and other yeast infections are caused by a weakened immune system, says the Mayo Clinic. Thrush may be caused by using certain drugs, such as prednisone or antibiotics, or by certain diseases. You may be more at risk for thrush if you have cancer, HIV/AIDS or diabetes, says the Mayo Clinic. If you have a vaginal yeast infection during delivery, you can pass it on to your baby, who then develops symptoms of oral thrush.
Thrush Treatment
Oral yeast infections can be difficult to treat, says the La Leche League. Thrush is passed back and forth, from the mouth of your infant to your breast and vice versa. To eliminate thrush, both you and your infant need to be treated, says the Mayo Clinic. A doctor can prescribe a gentle antifungal medicine for your baby, as well as an antifungal cream that you rub onto your breasts. Other options mentioned by the La Leche League include gentian violet and a nonprescription cream called Miconazole. More resistant cases may require taking an oral antifungal medication. According to the La Leche League, thrush should be treated for two weeks after you stop noticing symptoms.
Other Tips
While you and your infant are undergoing treatment, the La Leche League suggests additional measures to eliminate the infection. Boil pacifiers and bottle nipples for 20 minutes, as well as the parts of your breast pump that come into contact with your breasts and milk. Wash your infant's toys in hot, soapy water. Launder clothing that comes into contact with your breasts such as bra pads, nightgowns and bras using hot water and bleach. Dry them on the hot air cycle or in the sun. According to the La Leche League, it may also be helpful to wash your nipples with a solution comprised of 1 tablespoon vinegar to 1 cup of water after you nurse.
