How To Clean Baby Tongue? Why Should You Take It Seriously?

Have you ever given it thought that your baby might also need oral cleaning? Well, if you have not, then you are not the only one in this.

Most parents think that they do not need oral cleaning because they don’t consume solid food. However, that is not the case.

You are continuously feeding your baby, without cleaning their mouth, you are putting them at risk of growing micro bacteria in their mouth. However, how to clean baby tongue? Let’s explore.

Cleaning Your Baby’s Tongue: Why Is It Important?

You must clean their tongue to prevent bacterial growth and saliva in their mouth. This can cause them bad breath. A clean tongue allows them to taste the food better.

Moreover, when you clean their tongue regularly, you protect them from the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. There are baby brushes available, which you can use to gently clean their tongue, or a soft damp cloth.

Rinse their mouth with water afterward. Make this a routine and do this at least once a day. If the breast milk or formula stays in their mouth it can multiply the bacterial growth.

How To Clean Baby Tongue Safely?

A clean newborn tongue can prevent oral thrush which can cause baby mouth ulcers. Most babies face these issues because of parental negligence.

Tongue cleaning is necessary to avoid these infections and issues. Here is a guide to answer your question, “how to clean baby tongue.”

Step 1: Clean Your Hands

Anything your baby puts inside their mouth has to be clean, no matter if it is your own hands. You need to use a finger to clean their tongue.

So, make sure that your hands are not the source of transferring germs. Wash your hands with soap. Better if you use warm water as it kills bacteria effortlessly.

Moreover, make sure that you keep your baby’s hands clean if they have grown a habit of sucking on their hands.

Step 2: Use a Soft Gauze or a Washcloth

Use a clean soft gauze or washcloth to clean the insides of your baby’s mouth. Do not choose any rough cloth as it can scratch their mouth. So, make the selection carefully. The cloth has to be smooth and soft.

Step 3: Dip it in Warm Water

Warm up the water and dip the washcloth or gauze in it. However, make sure that the cloth is not too hot, or it can burn the inner linings of the mouth.

If the water becomes too hot, cover the water and let it rest for a while. This way the water will cool down, and there will be no chance of contamination as well.

Step 4: Position Your Baby

How to clean baby tongue? Well, we are in the process, nearing that part. But before you do that, place your baby properly in your lap.

Use a changing table or any soft surface. Support their head, with a pillow or your arm, and then clean their mouth.

Step 5: Clean It

Get into a comfortable position and open their mouth. Use the cloth and gently start cleaning their tongue. Try cleaning it from the back, and slowly move forward.

After this, move the cloth slowly in circular motions. Be slow and gentle. So not rush the process or move the cloth forcefully.

Make sure you are not irritating the tongue surface with the cleaning process. Their tongue is soft and being rough or even moving fast can cause bleeding.

Step 6: Clean & Repeat

Wash the cloth in water and repeat the process. Or you can take two clothes and prepare them before you start cleaning. This way, you do not have to use the same cloth without cleaning it properly again.

After you are done cleaning, use a soft cloth and pat dry their mouth, to remove the excess moisture.

What Is The Link Between Tongue Cleaning & Overall Oral Health?

Now that you know how to clean infant tongue, you know how important it is for overall oral health. Yes, cleaning the tongue and overall oral health are related.

Teeth problems are very common in children. So, ensuring oral health from the beginning when they start to develop gums and teeth can make their teeth healthy and prevent any disorder.

If you get them into this habit since childhood, they will be encouraged to maintain good oral hygiene in the future as well.

Moreover, fungal developments and oral thrush can put their palate, cheeks, tongue, and gums at risk. Tongue cleaning can reduce the risk of fungal infections.

Common Myths & Misconceptions About Tongue Cleaning

There are certain myths and misconceptions about baby tongue cleaning. Here are those myths debunked.

Myth	Fact
Babies do not need oral care before their teeth erupt	Babies need to have oral care even before that. Otherwise, it causes microbial development in their mouth from the milk and formula.
White coating on the tongue is always normal.	This white coating on their tongue happens mostly from synthetic formulas and can cause infections in their mouth.
Cleaning a baby’s tongue is painful for them.	Cleaning their tongue is not painful, until and unless you use a rough cloth, or an adult toothbrush to clean their tongue.
Only formula-fed babies need tongue cleaning.	No matter if you are feeding your baby breast milk or formula, you need to clean their tongue regularly. This is a part of oral hygiene.

Frequently Asked Questions

When discussing the topic of how to clean baby tongue, people often think of some other questions. Here are the questions mentioned.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to clean baby tongues, make sure you take them for regular dentist check-ups as well. They will have a positive experience, the sooner you take them for their first visit.

Oral hygiene is necessary, and parents need to focus on their baby’s oral health as it can otherwise have microbial growth in their mouth.

Mostly, there is no need to buy special equipment, unless the doctor recommends so. A soft cloth or gauze will just be fine for cleaning their tongue.