What causes a 7-month-old baby's tongue coating to turn black?

Nov 29, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

Black tongue coating in a 7-month-old baby is mainly caused by poor oral hygiene, residual food pigments, vitamin deficiencies, anemia, and digestive dysfunction. If the baby's mouth is not cleaned promptly after feeding, residual food particles and bacteria can form a thick,腻 substance on the tongue, which may lead to a darker tongue coating over time.

Generally, a 7-month-old baby's black tongue coating may be caused by poor oral hygiene, food pigment residue, vitamin deficiency, anemia, or digestive dysfunction. If the baby shows any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene

After eating, if the baby's mouth is not cleaned timely, residual food particles and bacteria can form a thick,腻 substance on the tongue. Long-term accumulation may cause the tongue coating to darken. Parents can periodically use a clean, damp gauze or specialized infant oral cleaning tools to gently wipe the baby's tongue and oral cavity to maintain oral hygiene.

2. Food Pigment Residue

The baby may have consumed foods such as black sesame paste, black beans, or black rice. The pigments in these foods can easily stain the tongue coating, causing the aforementioned symptoms. No special treatment is required; as the food is digested and time passes, the tongue coating color will gradually return to normal.

3. Vitamin Deficiency

During growth and development, the immune system is not yet fully developed. A deficiency in B vitamins, especially vitamin B2, can cause dryness of the oral mucosa, making it easier for bacteria to proliferate, thus forming a dark-colored tongue coating. Symptoms such as oral ulcers and chapped lips may also appear. Parents can administer medications such as riboflavin tablets, vitamin AD drops, or compound B vitamin tablets to the baby under the guidance of a professional physician.

4. Anemia

Nutritional deficiencies or improper diet can lead to anemia. Anemia may affect blood supply to the capillaries on the tongue, causing abnormal tongue coating color. Symptoms such as nausea and dizziness may accompany this condition. It is recommended to follow medical advice and administer medications such as ferrous sulfate tablets, compound ferrous sulfate granules, or vitamin C tablets to the baby.

5. Digestive Dysfunction

The baby's digestive system is still developing and may be affected by improper feeding or exposure to cold, leading to digestive dysfunction. This can affect food digestion and absorption, causing the tongue coating to darken. Symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea may also occur. Parents should administer medications such as domperidone suspension, mosapride citrate oral solution, or Bifidobacterium triple viable powder to the baby according to medical instructions.

In daily life, parents should pay attention to maintaining the baby's oral hygiene, regularly clean the mouth, and prevent oral diseases.

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