What's the matter with a 7-month-old baby's tongue curling at the side?

Mar 27, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Ma Yan

Introduction

A curled tongue on the side in a 7-month-old infant may be due to incomplete development of speech function, with the baby playing by curling the tongue—a physiological phenomenon that requires no special treatment. It could also result from an abnormally short lingual frenulum, which can be corrected surgically. Additionally, it might be caused by tongue inflammation and irritation from infection; in such cases, follow medical advice to use medications such as chlorhexidine mouth rinse to control the inflammatory infection.

The curled sides of a 7-month-old infant's tongue may be due to physiological factors, or could result from pathological causes such as short lingual frenulum or inflamed lingual papillae.

I. Physiological Causes

At 7 months of age, infants have not yet fully developed language skills and cannot express themselves verbally. As a result, they may play by curling their tongues or licking objects. This is considered a normal physiological phenomenon and typically does not require special treatment.

II. Pathological Causes

1. Short Lingual Frenulum

If an infant’s lingual frenulum is too short, it restricts the tongue's ability to extend outward or lift upward, which may lead to curling of the tongue's sides. When a short lingual frenulum causes speech difficulties, surgical intervention may be considered to improve function.

2. Inflamed Lingual Papillae (Lingual Papillitis)

Inflammation of the tongue may occur due to malnutrition, fungal infection, anemia, or other causes. Inflammatory irritation can lead to changes such as curled tongue edges. It is recommended to use medications under a doctor’s guidance, such as vitamin A tablets, metronidazole tablets, or chlorhexidine mouthwash, to control the infection and inflammation.

In addition, delayed brain development could also be a potential cause. It is advisable to visit a hospital for appropriate diagnostic evaluations and subsequent treatment measures.

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