What to know about a baby tongue cleaner
Brushing
your child's teeth is important for maintaining oral health. Without proper
care, they can develop cavities and other problems. However, before their first
teeth begin to grow, newborns need to keep their tongues, gums, and inside of
their cheeks free of bacteria to avoid potential health problems. A child's
tongue cleaner can be a great tool for this.
This
is a device made of plastic, copper or stainless steel, which allows you to
clean the child's tongue from germs. It works by pulling the cleaner forward
from the back of the tongue several times. If you purchase one of these
products, carefully follow its instructions for safe use, storage, and
cleanliness.
Why you should keep your baby's tongue clean
Babies
start teething at around 4 months old. Even before this happens, regular oral
hygiene is essential. Leftover breast milk or formula in a baby's mouth for a
few days encourages bacteria to grow in their sweet saliva. This can cause
fungal infections.
It's
normal for your baby's tongue to become discolored after feeding. These are
milk residues that stick to the surface of their tongue. But if you notice
creamy white sores in your child's mouth, it's probably stomatitis.
Thrush
is a common fungal infection that can spread quickly, so talk to your doctor if
you suspect your child has it. It's like little bits of cottage cheese that you
can't rub off easily. Babies with thrush experience discomfort and a burning
sensation that prevents them from eating.
It can
also easily spread to the nipples of a nursing mother.
Lack
of oral hygiene in infants with teeth and toddlers can quickly cause plaque to
build up and lead to cavities. Plaque bacteria produce acids every time a child
eats a sugary snack. These acids eat away at the protective outer layer of teeth
called tooth enamel and cause cavities.
How to properly clean your baby's tongue and teeth
Babies
and young children need adult help to keep their tongues clean. To properly
clean your child's tongue and gums, you should:
- Make a habit of cleaning after feeding.
- Gently cradle your baby in one arm during the cleaning.
- Use a damp gauze or washcloth, or a silicone baby tongue cleaner.
- Gently massage their gums, tongue, and inner cheeks.
If
your child won't let you clean his mouth, place your finger over his mouth and
wait for him to open it slowly. Once your baby's mouth opens, place your finger
gently and patiently. Move along the inside of your cheek if you can't get to
your gums towards the back of your mouth.
Should I buy baby tongue cleaners?
Keeping
your teeth clean is only part of oral hygiene. Using a tongue cleaner can
reduce plaque by removing certain bacteria in the mouth.
As
your baby grows and you teach him how to take care of his teeth, remember that
tongue scraping is not a substitute for brushing your teeth. However, children
who brush their tongues tend to have less plaque.
Here
are some more tips for caring for your teeth:
- Don’t give your children lots of sugary foods and drinks.
- Use a toothpaste that has fluoride.
- Make sure your child only uses a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
- Don’t allow babies and toddlers to go to sleep while feeding with a bottle in their mouth.
- Avoid sharing utensils with your child.
- Schedule their first dental appointment at 6 months of age.