A white coating on the tongue of a child is a reason to be wary. By language, an experienced specialist can diagnose a patient's disease. In infants (one year of age and younger), this plaque in the mouth usually indicates thrush. If a white tongue is found in an older child, there are different options for explaining this phenomenon: colds, stomatitis, digestive problems. Let us consider in more detail the various reasons for the appearance of white plaque in children.
Healthy children can also have plaque on their tongues. He appears in the morning. Thin, almost transparent, it can be easily removed with a toothbrush.
Only a doctor can determine the true causes of plaque. But parents must also have information that will help assess the health of the child.
When white bloom should alert:
- white bloom lasts all day;
- the plaque has a yellowish or grayish color;
- white dots and spots form on the tongue;
- plaque becomes denser and thicker;
- bad breath appears.
Have you noticed one of these signs? So your baby is sick. You yourself can try to establish the causes of plaque in the mouth. In other words, to determine what the child is sick with.
Learn the language of the child, he can tell you a lot. If there are problems with the airway, plaque will be on the edge of the tip of the tongue; if the central part of the tongue has turned white, then the stomach is sick; the formation of a white coating on the back of the tongue indicates kidney problems.
Diseases causing the appearance of white plaque
Let's name the most common diseases that occur in childhood (up to a year, a year and older), manifested by the appearance of a white tongue on the oral mucosa.
- Stomatitis. There are different types.
- Thrush. This is the name of fungal stomatitis (candidiasis). It is more common in babies one year old and younger. But it also occurs at an older age. Candidal stomatitis can be seen by a light cheesy bloom. It is localized not only in the tongue, but also in the gums, cheeks, and lips. In this condition, the child feels bad, suffers from dry mouth, itching and pain, especially after something sour gets into the mouth. The fungus begins to actively multiply on the oral mucosa. Why? Apparently, the baby has stomach problems, lowered immunity, or has recently taken antibiotics.
- Manifestation of an allergic reaction. This stomatitis causes swelling in the mouth and small white dots on the tongue and oral mucosa. Allergic stomatitis can be caused by medication, certain foods, dust, etc.
- Herpes causes inflammation in a child's mouth. Usually children who are already one year old suffer from herpetic stomatitis. White transparent vesicles appear on the mucous membrane, which are very painful. There is a rise in body temperature.
- Aphthous type of stomatitis. Aphthae are white ulcers with a red border. Then they turn gray and covered with a film. The entire tongue of the child is covered with such ulcers. The child, as with other types of stomatitis, can hardly eat, experiences pain, burning sensation in the mouth, discomfort while eating.
- A bacterial type of stomatitis. The reason for its development on the oral mucosa is the ingress of pathogenic bacteria there. Routes of contact: dirty hands, poor dental care, eating poorly washed vegetables, berries and fruits.
- Iron-deficiency anemia.
It can also cause a painful white coating on the tongue. At the same time, the blood lacks red blood cells. The analysis reveals low hemoglobin. This leads to a lack of oxygen in the body. Why is this happening? There can be many reasons for the development of this condition: poor nutrition, heredity, diseases of the digestive system, taking medications, etc. How does a child behave in such a state? He is capricious, experiences either lethargy or excessive excitability, sleeps poorly, sweats a lot, gets tired quickly, eats poorly, his skin turns pale.
- A general decrease in the protective functions of the body.
Also manifests itself with a white tongue in the mouth. The kid often catches cold, is prone to protracted numerous infectious diseases. Reasons: immunity falls after taking antibiotics, with poor physical activity, poor conditioning of the body, improper diet. Sometimes it is a hereditary factor. More often, children who have not yet turned one year old suffer from weak immunity.
- Development of dehydration.
It occurs when a child loses a lot of fluid that is not replenished on time. A dense white coating forms on the tongue. Other signs appear: dryness of the mucous membrane, constant thirst, fatigue, accompanied by excessive sweating, rare urge to urinate, bags appear under the eyes.
- Dysbacteriosis.
Disturbed intestinal microflora also causes white plaque. Beneficial microorganisms are inferior in number to pathogenic ones. This condition develops with delayed intestinal motility, after the use of antibiotics, with poor nutrition, due to allergies, if the climate or drinking water has changed, etc.
- Disturbances in the work of the entire digestive system of the baby.
Plaque occurs in different parts of the tongue, the doctor, by the location of the plaque, can diagnose a latent disease. Usually this is an advanced chronic form of the disease, which proceeded in a latent form.
- Dental problems (caries infection).
A thick white coating covers the entire tongue, and the infection spreads throughout the mouth. The child develops an unpleasant odor in the mouth.
- Diseases of the respiratory system.
Angina, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, bronchitis. These diseases are characterized by the appearance of plaque not only on the tongue, but also in the throat area. The tonsils are covered with pustules. General health worsens, painful swallowing, bad breath, high fever, cough, shortness of breath.
- Infections.
For example scarlet fever. In this case, the tongue becomes white with red large spots. Other symptoms: the rash spreads throughout the body, the nasopharynx becomes inflamed, the whitish-yellow color of the tonsils, the proliferation of lymph nodes. Another infectious disease is diphtheria. The inflammation spreads to the area of the pharynx, larynx, nasopharynx and even the eyes. White dots appear on the tonsils. The tongue is whitish-gray. Bad smell occurs in the mouth.
- Psoriasis disease.
The disease affects the skin and is reflected on the tongue with a grayish coating. The phenomenon of "geographical language" is possible. What does it look like? There are spots and bumps along the tongue, reminiscent of drawings on a geographical map.
Plaque on the tongue is not treated, its cause is treated. Therefore, one cannot do without a doctor.
- Thrush
You can remove plaque from the tongue with a solution of soda, lubricating the affected areas. You can use a honey solution, treating lesions in the mucous membrane and tongue. The doctor can prescribe antibiotics for an advanced form of the disease.
- Aphthous stomatitis
Medicines for treatment are prescribed by a doctor. It can be a group of antimicrobial, antiseptic medicines. Means for strengthening the immune system are also suitable.
Painful areas are lubricated with soda solution or herbal infusions.
- Gastritis
Here you need a consultation with a gastroenterologist. He will select a diet, mineral water intake, pain relievers, antibacterial therapy.
- Allergy
It is necessary to find out which allergen is causing the reaction. Further, eliminate all contacts of the child with the allergen. The doctor will prescribe antihistamine therapy.
- Dysbacteriosis
It is necessary to normalize the intestinal flora. To do this, appoint probiotics (preparations containing lactic bacteria, yeast, bifidobacteria). In this case, it is necessary to identify the cause of the disease and treat it directly.
- Gastrointestinal problems
A complete examination of the digestive tract is required at the hospital. Pass all the necessary tests, do an ultrasound. Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will prescribe treatment.
- If dehydration occurs
In this case, it is imperative to establish the child's drinking regime. This is especially important in hot weather, with increased stress, with poisoning, fever and other diseases. A child in preschool age should drink water in a volume of about one and a half liters per day.
- Anemia
It is necessary to make up for the lack of iron in the baby's body. This can be done by eating special foods (high in iron) or taking iron medications. Vitamin complexes are also suitable.
- Weak immunity
It, of course, needs to be strengthened. Good sleep, physical activity, walking in the fresh air in any weather, hardening procedures, healthy eating, and taking vitamins are important. The psycho-emotional state of the baby should also be normal. Create a harmonious atmosphere for your child at home, bring him up with love and understanding.
Pay attention to the state of your child's language. Why? A timely noticed malaise will stop the development of serious complications.
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