How to Clean Your Baby’s Tongue
There are a lot of new things to worry about when you become a parent. One of those things is how to keep your newborn baby’s mouth clean. It can be tricky since they’re still learning to control their movements and may not cooperate with tooth brushing.
And in their first few months, their oral hygiene should still be properly taken care of even when their baby teeth are yet to erupt. Before their first teeth start, newborns must be free of bacteria on their tongues, gums, and inner cheeks. They must get used to dental items in their mouth to prepare them for their dental routine of brushing. That’s why brushing their teeth and cleaning their tongues at a young age is critical. A baby tongue cleaner is an excellent aid in this process.
If you want to know more about cleaning your baby’s tongue and maintaining a healthy mouth, keep reading!
Importance of Tongue Cleaning
Regular oral hygiene is essential even before your infant’s baby teeth show up, and teething typically begins when infants turn around four months of age. The tongue is one of the essential parts of our daily oral hygiene routine. It’s surprising how difficult it can be to perform this seemingly simple task in newborns. To avoid bad breath and bacterial accumulations, it is essential to clean the tongue on a regular basis. This reduces the risk of oral infections and gum disease.
Bacteria can thrive in your baby’s sugary saliva if you leave breast milk or formula residues in their mouth for days. Infections with fungi can result from this. A discolored or white tongue is a typical thing for babies after nursing. Milk residue clings to their tongues because of this. However, you might catch this normal thing with oral thrush. Oral thrush appears as creamy white sores inside your baby’s mouth.
Talk to your doctor if you suspect your baby has oral thrush, a common fungal infection that can spread quickly. Cottage cheese-like lumps that you can’t easily remove. Babies with thrush have difficulty eating due to their discomfort and burning. A breastfeeding mother’s nipples can also be infected. Poor oral hygiene in infants and toddlers can quickly lead to plaque buildup, leading to tooth decay.
Cleaning Your Baby’s Tongue
Oral hygiene in babies is a must, whether they have their baby teeth or not. You must take care of your baby’s tongue to avoid bacteria accumulation and other dental issues. You don’t need a lot of equipment to clean a baby’s tongue and gums, and it’s a simple process. All you’ll need is a washcloth or a piece of gauze, and warm water.
Here’s a process you can follow:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Cradle your baby’s head in your hand as you sit with them on your lap.
- Cover your finger with gauze or cloth and dip it in warm water.
- Using the damp cloth or gauze, gently open your baby’s mouth and then begin to rub their tongue in a circular motion gently.
- Rub your finger gently over your baby’s gums and the inside of their cheeks, as well.
Alternatively, you can use a finger brush to gently massage and clean away milk residue from your baby’s tongue and gums without irritating them. You should brush your baby’s tongue at least twice daily, if not more frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start brushing my baby’s tongue?
After each meal, it is important to clean the gums and tongue of a newborn. If they are unable to remove the white plaque in their mouths despite diligent brushing and flossing, they should see a dentist to consult about the possibility of thrush.
Preventing tooth decay by brushing a baby’s gums can ease the discomfort of teething. You should use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your baby’s teeth twice daily.
Are tongue cleaners helpful?
Oral hygiene entails more than just brushing and flossing. You can reduce plaque by using a tongue cleaner or scraper to remove specific bacteria from the mouth.
Read More: What You Should Know About Kids’ Teeth Cleaning
Contact Junior Smiles of Stafford to learn more about your baby’s tongue
If you would like to learn more about your baby’s tongue, please contact Junior Smiles of Stafford. Get in touch with the most reputable pediatric dentist and learn more from them. Our dentists are happy to answer any questions you may have and help ensure that your child has a healthy mouth. We offer the skills and equipment necessary to make your child’s dental appointments joyful and stress-free.
Why Choose Junior Smiles of Stafford?
Our Stafford, VA team is well-versed in working with clients of various ages and backgrounds. They’ll take the time to get to know you and your family’s requirements, and they’ll work with you to design a treatment plan that suits your schedule. Sealants and fluoride treatments are just two of the many preventative care options we provide to keep your mouth healthy.
About Us
Visiting Junior Smiles of Stafford means you’re in good hands when it comes to receiving high-quality care. Your child’s dental health improves with each visit, ensuring a brighter smile for years to come. We adhere to the ADA and AAPD’s guidelines for best practices.
Where Are We Located?
Phone: (540) 699-2441
Fax: (540) 699-2464
Email: info@juniorsmilesofstafford.com
Monday and Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesdays and Thursdays: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fridays and Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (By appointment only)
How to Book Your Kids First Appointment at Junior Smiles of Stafford
Fill out the form on our website. Within 24 hours, a member of our team will get back to you.