What causes a thick white tongue coating in a newborn during the postpartum month?

Generally speaking, the term "month period" refers to the postpartum period. A thick white tongue coating in a baby during the postpartum period may be caused by an immature digestive system, breastfeeding, excessive internal heat ("fire"), indigestion, or oral thrush. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific explanations are as follows:

1. Immature Digestive System

A baby's digestive system during the postpartum period is still developing; the baby produces more saliva, and the ability to clean the mouth is relatively weak, which can easily lead to a thick and white tongue coating. You can periodically use a clean, damp gauze to gently wipe the baby's tongue to help remove the tongue coating.

2. Breastfeeding

Human breast milk contains abundant proteins and fats. During breastfeeding, bacteria in the baby's mouth may combine with breast milk components, potentially forming a thick white tongue coating. No special treatment is needed; continue breastfeeding and maintain oral hygiene for the baby.

3. Excessive Internal Heat ("Fire")

When a baby during the postpartum period experiences excessive internal heat, the heat rises within the body, affecting the normal growth and metabolism of the tongue coating, resulting in a thick white coating. Provide the baby with a comfortable living environment and avoid excessively dry air.

4. Indigestion

A baby during the postpartum period might experience indigestion due to excessive breastfeeding, where food cannot be adequately digested and absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a thick white tongue coating. This may also be accompanied by symptoms such as bloating and decreased appetite. It is recommended to use medications such as lactozyme tablets, Bifidobacterium triple viable powder, and Clostridium butyricum viable powder under a doctor's guidance for treatment.

5. Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is mainly caused by Candida infection in the mouth, which may lead to a thick white tongue coating and white membranous substances on the tongue of a baby in the postpartum period. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as irritability and refusal to eat. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as sodium bicarbonate injection and itraconazole granules to alleviate symptoms.

Normally, it is important to clean the baby's mouth after feeding to avoid food residue. At the same time, the mother should maintain a bland diet, reduce greasy foods, and promote the baby's digestive health.