Difference between infant oral ulcers and thrush

Mar 06, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

Oral ulcers may be caused by various factors, including vitamin B deficiency, oral injuries, immune system issues, stress, and allergic reactions. Thrush is primarily caused by excessive growth of Candida albicans and commonly occurs in infants with weakened immune systems. Oral ulcers can appear in any part of the mouth, including the tongue, inner lips, buccal mucosa, and soft palate.

　　The differences between infant oral ulcers and thrush generally include different causes, different sites of onset, different symptoms, different treatment methods, and different preventive measures. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to visit a hospital promptly and follow medical advice for appropriate management.

　　1. Different Causes

　　Oral ulcers may be caused by various factors, including vitamin B deficiency, oral trauma, immune system issues, stress, allergic reactions, and more. Thrush is primarily caused by excessive growth of Candida albicans, commonly occurring in infants with weakened immune systems.

　　2. Different Sites of Onset

　　Oral ulcers can appear in any part of the mouth, including the tongue, inner lips, cheek mucosa, and soft palate. Thrush typically presents as white spots or patches on the tongue, cheek mucosa, palate, and throat.

　　3. Different Symptoms

　　Oral ulcers manifest as one or more clearly defined ulcerated areas, surrounded by redness and swelling, with noticeable tenderness, affecting feeding. Thrush is characterized by scattered white curd-like patches on the cheek mucosa and tongue surface. These patches are difficult to remove and leave a red, inflamed base if forcibly wiped, possibly accompanied by low-grade fever. The patches of thrush are difficult to wipe off and prone to bleeding, while ulcers directly expose a red wound surface.

　　4. Different Treatment Methods

　　Oral ulcers often heal on their own; severe cases may be treated with local application of smectite powder paste or vitamin B2 supplementation. For thrush, the mouth should be cleaned with a 2%-4% sodium bicarbonate solution, and antifungal treatment with nystatin cod liver oil suspension is required.

　　5. Different Preventive Measures

　　Prevention of infant oral ulcers mainly involves maintaining good oral hygiene, balanced nutrition, and enhancing immunity. Prevention of thrush focuses on avoiding Candida infection, including keeping feeding utensils clean and disinfected, and conducting Candida screening and treatment for mothers before delivery.

　　In daily life, it is recommended to maintain cleanliness of the mouth and bottles, perform regular disinfection, and ensure proper nipple hygiene during breastfeeding, avoiding excessive use of antibiotics.

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What causes a 10-month-old baby to stick out their tongue?

A 10-month-old baby sticking out its tongue may be caused by physiological factors or pathological factors. It could be a physiological phenomenon due to teething or imitating others who stick out their tongues. It might also result from oral mucosal injury, malnutrition, emotional stress, and other factors leading to mouth ulcers. Additionally, it could be caused by oral thrush due to infection with Candida albicans.

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Can nystatin tablets be used in the mouth of infants?

Nystatin tablets can be used to treat diseases such as oral thrush in infants. However, they are generally ground into powder and then mixed with substances like cod liver oil to form a suspension, which is then applied to the affected areas in the mouth, rather than applying the tablet directly. During treatment, it is important to maintain good lifestyle habits and avoid eating spicy or irritating foods such as pepper, chili peppers, and garlic, which may hinder recovery.

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What is neonatal thrush?

Under normal circumstances, neonatal oral thrush may be caused by poor oral hygiene, malnutrition, weakened immunity, dysbacteriosis, or secondary immunodeficiency. To prevent this condition, it is important to regularly disinfect bottles and nipples, and to clean the nipples and hands before and after breastfeeding. At the same time, ensure the newborn receives sufficient protein and vitamins.

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What is thrush?

Under normal circumstances, snow mouth disease, also known as thrush, is an oral mucosal inflammatory condition caused by infection with Candida albicans. If experiencing any discomfort, timely medical consultation is recommended. Regular tooth brushing and rinsing, along with cleaning between teeth using tools such as dental floss, are advised in daily life to reduce bacterial growth in the oral cavity. Additionally, engaging in regular physical exercise, improving physical fitness, and enhancing immunity can help resist Candida infections.