What Are The Causes of Baby Thrush?
Infant Oral Thrush is caused by the presence of the Candida virus in the digestive system. This is the same yeast that causes yeast infections. Candida is normally present in small amounts in the mouth and other mucous membranes on a regular basis. It is when these small amounts grow out of proportion and the body’s immune system cannot respond to the imbalance. This occurs when conditions allow the yeast to grow uncontrolled and invades surrounding tissue causing infection. The most common yeast is the Candida albicans. Other forms, such as Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, and Candid glabrata can also be involved. These bacteria are all located in the mouth, however when combined, they naturally control the growth of the Candida. It is when something disrupts this natural balance that Infant Oral Thrush occurs allowing this Candida to overgrow. Infants are especially likely to develop Thrush due to the fact that their immune system is not yet fully developed.
