Seeing a white coating on the surface of a baby's tongue can be due to two causes, one of them unimportant, and another that does require specific treatment. Learning to differentiate them can help us know whether or not it require treatment.
As we spend more and more time observing the newborn, it is sometimes possible to notice the presence of a whitish coating on its small tongue. Many mothers and fathers are alarmed, although the truth is that it could be the sign of one of the following two causes: milk residue, or a fungal infection called thrush.
In appearance, they may be similar but there are differences between the two that can help parents differentiate them and know how to act, either with cleaning or with antifungal treatment.
Baby's white tongue: what can it be?
It is normal that, while he is sleeping, we sit in front of him and begin to observe him with fascination: his hair, his features, his breathing... While, when he is awake, it is also common for us to observe him more closely if possible, to detect any condition or condition before it progresses too far.
It is completely common - and normal - to worry about the baby. And you should never let anyone tell you that what may be worrying you is nonsense. Thus, if you see a white coating on the tongue of your newborn or small baby, it is normal to immediately think that it is an oral fungus and call the pediatrician. And, indeed, there is nothing wrong with that.
But there's also a chance that what you think is fungus is actually milk residue. Distinguishing them can be complicated since they often have similar symptoms.
White spots on the baby's tongue: signs that they are milk residue
One of the easiest ways to know that it is a whitish stain caused by milk residue is to try to clean it with the help of a warm, damp gauze.
In this way, if the residue comes off easily or diminishes in appearance, it is a milk residue and not a fungus. In fact, you should keep in mind that milk residue generally tends to be more noticeable after meals, and only appears on the tongue.
And what causes this accumulation of milk in this area? In short, lack of saliva. Unlike an adult, the newborn's mouth, especially during the first months after birth (up to approximately the fourth month of life), does not produce much saliva, so the less saliva, the more difficult it is to remove or remove the milk left in it.
While this is happening, the best option is to gently clean the milk residue with a soft, damp gauze, each time it appears, or after feeding. This could be considered a previous step to oral hygiene.
When could it be a fungus and not traces of milk?
Known as oral candidiasis (also popularly called thrush ), this is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida, the same type that causes vaginal yeast infections, or diaper rashes. In fact, it is very common for oral candidiasis to be associated within a few days with candidiasis of the diaper area.
In the case of oral candidiasis, the most common thing is that the infection forms in parts of the mouth related to or involved with sucking, which includes not only the baby's tongue but also his lips and the inside of the teeth. cheeks. It is common that the initial diagnosis is made because there are shots that are much worse and whitish lesions have begun to be seen on the gums.
In this case, the layer cannot be removed with the help of a damp gauze and if this is achieved, it will cause some discomfort and a pink, inflammatory area will be revealed.
The whitish lesions may be associated with discomfort or refusal to feed, and this is normally the reason for consulting the pediatrician. There is no need to be alarmed since it is an infection that has a very simple treatment, with antifungal gel and hygiene of teats or pacifiers if they are used regularly. It may even happen that the lesions spread to the maternal nipple and continuous itching appears in the areola. With topical treatment and hygiene, the lesions will also improve quickly.
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