Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for babies, as it helps prevent infection and promotes healthy teeth and gums. One important aspect of oral hygiene for babies is cleaning their tongues. The tongue can accumulate milk residue, bacteria, and other debris, so it’s important to clean it regularly.
In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to clean your baby’s tongue, as well as some tips for maintaining overall oral hygiene.
Why Is My Baby’s Tongue White/yellow/orange?
Here is more information on each of the potential causes of a white, yellow, or orange tongue in babies:
White tongue:
A white tongue can be caused by milk residue, thrush, or oral candidiasis (a type of fungal infection). To remove milk residue, clean your baby’s tongue with a washcloth or toothbrush and warm water after feedings. Thrush and oral candidiasis can be treated with antifungal medication prescribed by a doctor.
Yellow tongue:
A yellow tongue can be caused by jaundice or carotenemia. Jaundice is a common condition in newborns that is caused by an excess of bilirubin, a yellowish substance produced when red blood cells break down. Jaundice is usually harmless and goes away on its own, but it’s important to talk to a doctor if you suspect your baby has jaundice. Carotenemia is caused by an excess of carotenoids, which are pigments found in fruits and vegetables that give them their orange color. Carotenemia is usually harmless and goes away on its own when the baby’s diet is balanced, but it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor if you notice this symptom.
Orange tongue:
An orange tongue can be caused by carotenemia. This condition is caused by an excess of carotenoids, which are pigments found in fruits and vegetables that give them their orange color. Carotenemia is usually harmless and goes away on its own when the baby’s diet is balanced, but it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor if you notice this symptom.
How to Clean a Baby’s Tongue?
Cleaning a baby’s tongue is an important part of maintaining their oral hygiene and overall health. Here are some more detailed steps you can follow to clean your baby’s tongue:
1. Gather your supplies:
You’ll need a washcloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush and a cup of warm water. It’s also a good idea to have a towel nearby to dry your baby’s mouth after cleaning.
2. Make sure your baby is in a comfortable position:
You’ll need to have your baby’s head supported and their mouth easily accessible. You can hold your baby in your lap or lay them on a flat surface.
3. Wet the washcloth or toothbrush:
Dip the washcloth or toothbrush in a cup of warm water. Make sure the cloth or brush is not too wet, as you don’t want to accidentally drip water into your baby’s throat.
4. Lift your baby’s tongue:
Gently lift your baby’s tongue using the washcloth or toothbrush. You may need to hold the tongue with one hand while you clean with the other.
5. Wipe the tongue:
Starting at the back of the tongue and moving towards the front, gently wipe the tongue to remove any debris or milk residue. Be sure to clean the entire surface of the tongue, including the sides.
6. Rinse and repeat:
Rinse the washcloth or toothbrush in the cup of water and repeat the process until the tongue is clean.
7. Dry your baby’s mouth:
Use a towel to gently pat your baby’s mouth dry.
It’s important to clean your baby’s tongue every day, especially after feedings. This will help prevent infection and promote healthy teeth and gums. If you have any concerns about your baby’s oral hygiene, talk to your pediatrician for advice.
How Often Should We Clean Baby’s Tongue?
It’s a good idea to clean your baby’s tongue after each feeding to remove any milk residue or debris. This will help prevent infection and promote healthy teeth and gums.