Newborns are notoriously messy eaters, and one of the most important steps in keeping your baby healthy is making sure their tongue stays clean.How to clean a newborn’s tongue can seem daunting at first, but with a few simple tips and tricks, you can make it a breeze.
When to clean a newborn’s tongue
It is recommended that parents begin cleaning their baby’s tongue immediately after birth.
This will help remove any excess mucus or milk that may be stuck on the baby’s tongue or gums.
Doing this regularly will also help reduce the risk of infection from buildup of bacteria in the mouth.
How to clean a newborn’s tongue?
As soon as you get home from the hospital, it is important to have all of the necessary supplies on hand for cleaning your baby’s tongue.
Here are some items that you should have ready for this task: cotton swabs, wipes or gauze pads dampened with warm water, and a soft brush specifically designed for babies’ mouths (e.g., Oral-B Pro-Health Stages Infant Toothbrush).
For newborns less than three months old, you should use only water and avoid using any kind of soap or detergent.
To start, wet a cotton swab with warm water and gently rub it on your baby’s tongue.
This helps remove any milk residue that may be there as well as stimulate circulation in the mouth area which helps prevent infection.
Next, take a dampened wipe or gauze pad and gently wipe around the inside of your baby’s mouth including their gums and cheeks.
Finally, use an infant toothbrush designed specifically for babies to gently brush your child’s teeth and gums twice per day (once in morning and once before bed).
This helps prevent plaque build up which leads to cavities later on down the line!
Make sure to use only a tiny amount of toothpaste containing fluoride when brushing your baby’s teeth; too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis (streaks on teeth caused by excessive fluoride intake).
Keeping your newborn’s mouth clean is an important part of maintaining their health throughout infancy and beyond!
With just a few simple steps—such as using cotton swabs dipped in warm water or an infant toothbrush—you can easily keep your newborn’s tongue clean while also helping them develop good oral hygiene habits early on!
As always, if you have any questions about cleaning your newborn’s tongue or other oral care concerns feel free to speak with your healthcare provider for more information!
