Dentist-Approved Ways to Clean Your Newborn’s Tongue

Keeping your newborn’s mouth clean is an important part of early oral care. Pediatric dentists often recommend gentle tongue cleaning to remove milk residue and support healthy oral habits before teeth erupt.

How to Clean Your Newborn’s Tongue 

Before you begin, wash your hands and choose a time when your baby is relaxed.

1. Use a clean, damp gauze pad, a soft washcloth or a silicon finger brush. Wrap it around your finger and moisten it with warm water. 
2. Gently open your baby’s mouth and support the chin with your finger.
3. Wipe the tongue softly. Use light pressure and swipe from back to front once or twice. Do not scrub.
4. Clean the gums as well. Gently wipe along the gums and inner cheeks to remove milk residue.
5. Stop if your baby becomes upset and try again later. Oral care should always be calm and stress-free.

This gentle routine helps your baby become familiar with oral care early, making future brushing and early dental care more comfortable.

Things to Keep in Mind

A simple approach works best during the newborn stage. The goal is comfort and familiarity, not deep cleaning.

• Gentle pressure is enough
• One or two light swipes across the tongue is sufficient
• Calm moments help oral care feel familiar rather than stressful
• Simple tools and warm water are all that is needed at this stage
• If your baby resists, it is best to pause and try again another time

When and How Often to Clean Your Babies Tongue

Gentle oral care can begin within the first few weeks after birth. We typically recommend cleaning a newborn’s mouth once a day or a few times a week, ideally at a time when the baby is relaxed.

There is no need to clean after every feeding. Consistency matters more than frequency. If milk residue builds up quickly, daily cleaning may help, but there is no strict schedule.

As teeth begin to erupt, you can gradually transition from gauze or a soft cloth to brushing with a soft infant toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste.

How to Tell the Difference Between Milk Tongue and Thrush

It is common for newborns to have a white coating on the tongue, especially after feedings. In many cases, this coating is simply milk residue and wipes away easily with gentle cleaning.

Thrush looks different. It often appears as thicker white patches that do not wipe off easily and may extend to the inner cheeks or gums. The mouth may also look red or irritated, and some babies become uncomfortable during feeding.

Reach out to your pediatrician or pediatric dentist if you notice:

• Thick, white patches that persist despite gentle cleaning
• Increased fussiness or discomfort during feedings
• Redness or irritation inside the mouth

Early evaluation helps identify the cause and determine whether treatment is needed.

Gentle Pediatric Dental Care at Akoya

At Akoya Pediatric Dentistry, we guide parents through every stage of their child’s oral development, from newborn care to teen smiles. If you have questions about newborn oral care, tongue cleaning, or your baby’s first dental visit, our team is here to help.

To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Southwest Ranches, FL, call (954) 799-6212. Akoya Pediatric Dentistry proudly serves patients from Broward County, Pembroke Pines, Weston, and Davie, FL.

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