Infant diseases · Educational
Oral Thrush: White Patches & Feeding Fussiness
Thrush is Candida in the mouth. Milk residue wipes away; thrush plaques usually do not. Household dyes and vinegar are not treatments.
Parental Care Hub helps parents learn about common infant diseases, baby symptoms, newborn care, safe sleep, feeding concerns and when to contact a pediatrician.
Emergency first
Refusal to feed, dehydration signs, or a very sore mouth. Call a pediatrician.
What this means
White patches on the tongue or inner cheeks plus feed discomfort may be thrush. A clinician confirms and may treat the infant and, if relevant, the nursing parent’s nipples.
Baby symptoms to notice
- White plaques on tongue or cheeks
- Feed fussiness
- Possible matching diaper yeast
Safe home care (not a prescription)
Continue feeding. Sterilize nipples and pacifiers during prescribed treatment only. Do not apply gentian violet or vinegar at home.