Does a baby's thick white tongue coating need to be cleaned during the postpartum period?
My baby is just 20 days old. I noticed that his tongue coating has become thick and white over the past two days. His feeding seems fine, so I just wanted to ask—should I clean the thick white tongue coating for such a young baby?
Doctor's answer (1)
The term "month sitting" refers to the postpartum period. It is usually necessary to clean a baby's thick white tongue coating during this period.
If a baby develops a thick white tongue coating, it may be a normal change in the oral bacterial flora, possibly caused by various factors such as residual breast milk or formula, indigestion, spleen and stomach weakness, or excessive internal dampness. If the thick white tongue coating is due to residual food, parents can gently help clean the baby's tongue surface, taking care to use a light touch to avoid causing harm.
During cleaning, avoid using adult mouthwash or toothpaste, as they may contain ingredients harmful to the baby. Instead, use a clean, soft cloth or gauze pad, moisten it slightly, and gently wipe the baby's tongue and inner mouth walls to help remove excess milk residue and bacteria.
It is recommended to ensure the baby is fed in the correct position to avoid excessive milk flowing into the throat and reducing residue in the mouth. If the baby's tongue coating remains thick for a prolonged period, is accompanied by an odor, or if the baby shows signs of discomfort such as irritability, difficulty feeding, etc., seek medical attention promptly.
