Babies may have some harmless dead skin cells accumulate on their tongues, forming a thick layer of light yellow tongue coating, which is the reason for the yellow tongue.
This condition is generally temporary and harmless. In most cases, home care can eliminate it, such as brushing teeth in the morning and evening and drinking more water. However, in some cases, a yellow tongue may indicate illness, and medical assistance should be sought.
Common Causes and Management of Yellow Tongue
1. Poor Oral Hygiene Due to Inadequate Brushing
Manifestation:
The baby’s tongue coating is thick and yellow, but there are no lesions on other parts of the oral mucosa. Bad breath can be detected when the mouth is opened, and some babies may also have cavities.
Prevention and Treatment:
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Before the baby is six months old, parents should clean the baby’s mouth at least once a day, preferably before bedtime.
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Parents can wrap a clean, damp gauze around their finger or use a clean cotton swab dipped in warm water to gently wipe the baby’s gums. If the baby’s tongue coating is thick, it should also be cleaned.
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Once the baby has their first primary tooth, a brushing habit should be established in the morning and evening. Until the age of three, it is recommended that parents assist the baby in brushing to ensure thorough cleaning.
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If there are cavities, a visit to the dental department is necessary.
2. Consumption of Yellow or Sticky Foods
Avoid giving the baby yellow or sticky foods, such as orange juice or carrots. Continue daily oral cleaning, and normal conditions should return in about two weeks.
3. Mouth Breathing
If the baby has developed a habit of breathing through the mouth, especially during sleep, it can lead to dry mouth (reduced saliva), which helps eliminate excess bacteria and food residues from the tongue surface. If the mouth is dry, bacteria can overgrow, leading to a yellow tongue.
Prevention and Treatment:
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Do not keep pets in the bedroom, as pet hair, parasites, and waste can lead to allergic rhinitis or other diseases, causing the baby to breathe through the mouth.
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Adjust the height of the baby’s pillow to ensure that the baby’s head and body are on the same level when lying down. Choose a pillow that is appropriately soft and firm. If the baby’s head sinks completely into the pillow, it is too soft; if the pillow does not conform to the baby’s head, it is too hard. A pillow that is too high or too soft can obstruct breathing.
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Respiratory diseases (colds, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.) or nasal issues (enlarged turbinates, rhinitis, deviated septum, etc.) can also cause breathing difficulties, and medical treatment may be necessary.
4. Gastric Inflammation
Studies indicate that a yellow tongue in babies may be related to gastric inflammation, with symptoms including acid reflux, nausea, dry heaving, vomiting, abdominal pain, and poor appetite.
Prevention and Treatment:
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Encourage the baby to develop good habits of eating on time, avoiding snacks, and not drinking carbonated beverages.
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If gastric symptoms are suspected, it is advisable to take the baby to the hospital for examination.
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Ensure the baby uses separate utensils, and family members should practice serving meals separately.
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If any family member experiences symptoms such as acid reflux, belching, or recurrent abdominal pain, they should seek medical attention promptly.
5. Jaundice Causing Yellow Tongue
If the baby has jaundice, in addition to a yellow tongue, there will also be yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.
Treatment:
If jaundice is suspected, it is advisable to seek medical attention for proper assessment and intervention.
6. Yellow Tongue After Taking Certain Medications
The use of antibiotics can lead to an imbalance in oral microbiota, resulting in a yellow tongue. Some medications for gastric issues and iron supplements can also cause a yellow tongue.
Prevention and Treatment:
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Do not self-medicate the baby with antibiotics or other medications.
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Typically, the tongue coating will gradually return to normal after discontinuing the medication.
When Yellow Tongue is Accompanied by the Following Symptoms
Although some common causes of yellow tongue have been introduced above, parents can manage some situations themselves. However, if the baby exhibits one or more of the following symptoms, it is important to seek medical assistance.
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Abdominal pain
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Blood in stool
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Vomiting
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Fever
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Sore throat or oral pain, tongue pain (infants may show reduced or slow eating)
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Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
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Easy bruising and bleeding
References
[1] Stephanie Watson. What Causes a Yellow Tongue? (March 7, 2019). https://www.healthline.com/health/yellow-tongue [2] Jennifer Huizen. What you should know about yellow tongue. (November 15, 2017). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320022#are-there-any-complications [3] Victor Marchione. Yellow Tongue Causes, Treatment, and Home Remedies. (May 20, 2016). https://www.belmarrahealth.com/yellow-tongue-causes-treatment-and-home-remedies/
Text Expert
Sui Jing
Cooperating Expert
Beijing Mingde Hospital, Pediatrics, Associate Chief Physician
He Jianliang
Review Expert
Zhejiang University Hospital, Affiliated Second Hospital, Attending Physician in Comprehensive Dentistry
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Supervisor: Lin Yiyi
Typesetting: Xiao Die
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