Causes and Treatments of White Patches on Baby's Upper Jaw

If the upper jaw of a baby's mouth appears white, it is recommended to promptly visit a hospital for examination. There are many reasons that can cause this symptom in babies, with the most common being thrush, a common condition in children. Thrush is a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans, leading to oral mucosal diseases. This condition is often related to improper care by parents. To prevent thrush, it is important to maintain skin cleanliness and attention to food hygiene.

Causes of White Patches on Baby's Upper Jaw

White patches on a newborn's upper jaw may indicate thrush, a fungal infection of the oral mucosa caused by Candida albicans. Thrush is commonly seen in newborns, children with chronic diarrhea or malnutrition, children who have been using antibiotics or adrenocortical hormones for a long time, and children whose nipples or feeding utensils are not clean, allowing the fungus to invade the oral mucosa. These children often have poor immune systems, and if oral hygiene is not properly maintained, Candida albicans can easily invade and multiply.

Treatment Methods

1. Topical Medication: Thrush can be easily treated by applying a mixture of nystatin powder and cod liver oil drops to the affected area every 4 hours.

2. Systemic Medication: Children with severe symptoms may also take antifungal drugs such as nystatin or clotrimazole for comprehensive treatment.

3. Dietary Hygiene: Keep eating utensils and food clean. Baby bottles, nipples, bowls, and spoons should be used by one person only and cleaned with alkaline water and boiled for sterilization after use. Breastfeeding mothers should wash their hands and clean their nipples before each feeding.

4. Nutritional Supply: Choose foods that are easy to digest and absorb and rich in high-quality protein, and appropriately increase the intake of vitamins B and C, such as animal liver, lean meat, fish, and fresh vegetables and fruits.

When a baby's upper jaw appears white, the first consideration should be whether the baby has thrush. By maintaining good oral hygiene, such as having the baby drink a few sips of water after each feeding to reduce milk residue in the mouth, and keeping the baby bottle and other items clean and hygienic, parents can help alleviate or prevent the symptoms of thrush.