Does a newborn baby's thick white tongue coating during the postpartum period need to be cleaned?
Oct 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
After birth, due to underdeveloped oral functions and reduced saliva secretion, infants may retain milk residue after feeding, which can lead to a thick white coating on the tongue during the postpartum (confinement) period. This is usually normal and generally does not require special cleaning if no other discomfort symptoms are present. When cleaning the baby's tongue coating, use gentle pressure and avoid excessive force to prevent injury to the infant.
In general, whether a newborn's thick white tongue coating during the postpartum period needs cleaning can be determined by analyzing the presence or absence of accompanying discomfort symptoms. If there are no associated symptoms, special cleaning is usually unnecessary; however, if discomfort symptoms are present, cleaning is generally recommended. In case of any discomfort, prompt medical consultation is advised. The details are as follows:
After birth, due to the infant's oral functions not being fully developed and reduced saliva secretion, combined with milk residue remaining after feeding, a thick white tongue coating may appear during the postpartum period. This is usually a normal phenomenon, and if no other discomfort symptoms are present, specific cleaning is typically not required.
However, if the baby exhibits additional symptoms along with the thick white tongue coating—such as bad breath, poor appetite, etc.—this may indicate indigestion or a bacterial infection in the mouth. In such cases, cleaning is usually necessary, and it is recommended to follow appropriate cleaning methods under medical guidance.
When cleaning the baby’s tongue coating, apply moderate pressure and avoid excessive force to prevent injury to the infant.
