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How to Clean Infant Tongue
Your newborn may not have teeth yet, but that doesn't mean you don't give importance to his dental hygiene. Along with optimal nutrition, it is very important to maintain healthy dental hygiene in newborns. Most new parents ask how they can clean their babies' tongue because it's not an easy task! If you have a baby in your house, he might cry while you clean his tongue, thus making the job harder for you! But it is important that you clean his tongue and keep his mouth healthy and fresh.
Why Do You Need to Clean Your Baby’s Tongue?
One of the simplest, yet most important tasks of our everyday oral hygiene involves cleaning the tongue. But in newborns, this simple task can be quite difficult to perform. Proper cleaning of the tongue regularly helps prevent bad breath and bacterial accumulations and lowers the risk of oral infections and gum diseases.
You should clean and massage your baby's mouth even before the eruption of teeth as cleaning and massaging the baby’s gums in the initial stages can help in the process of teething and ensure proper dental hygiene.
How to Clean an Infant’s Tongue
Whether or not your baby has teeth, you need to clean his mouth and tongue and maintain proper oral hygiene. If you want to know how you can clean your baby's tongue, follow the steps give below.
In order to clean your baby's tongue, the first thing you will need to do is clean your hands. Ensure that your hands are clean before you start the procedure. You can clean your baby's tongue using a gauze or finger cloth wrapped around your fingers. You can even use tongue-cleaners available in the medical stores.
For instance, if you take gauze, moisten the gauze with warm water and wrap it around your finger. Then rest your baby in a comfortable position by cradling him in your one arm and use your other hand to clean the mouth.
Gently open your baby's mouth and put your finger inside to clean the tongue.
Once you put the finger inside, gently scrape the tongue in a circular motion.
After cleaning the tongue finish the procedure by massaging the baby's teeth (if he has teeth) and gums in a gentle manner.
You can also use gum cleaners to remove the build-ups. However, if the cleaners fail to remove the build-ups, then consult the doctor for further advice. Avoid using a fluoride paste or fluoride items as the baby can ingest the fluoride in it.
This cleaning procedure needs to be performed at least once a day preferably after feeding.
Doctors recommend using soft brushes that are specially designed for babies to clean a baby's tongue and cavities. If you want to use one for your baby, it is suggested that you consult a doctor and choose the one suggested by your baby's doctor.
Things to Keep in Mind
In order to ensure proper oral hygiene for your baby, here are certain things that you will need to do.
As soon as your baby's first tooth erupts, you must take him for regular dental visits. Regular dental visits are recommended as soon as the baby's first tooth becomes visible (which generally happens between 3 and 9 months of age).
Get a complete dental examination of your baby and fluoride status review as per doctor’s advice.
If you have any concerns related to your child's dental health, speak to your dentist about it. If you have any concerns related to nursing or bottle-feeding for your baby, discuss with your doctor.
Follow the dentist’s instructions on how to keep the infant’s mouth clean.
Additional Tips to Clean Your Baby's Tongue
You already know how to clean your baby's tongue step-by-step, but we have some more tips that will provide answers to any query you may have concerning oral hygiene for your baby. The tips stated below are more like precautionary measures - so don't skip them!
Using water is the best way to clean the baby’s tongue. Use a piece of soft gauze or cotton cloth to dip into warm water and clean the tongue. However, make sure that the water is not too hot for your baby as it may hurt your baby.
Engage your little one in any interesting activity while cleaning his tongue.
Another alternative is to use glycerine to clean the baby's tongue. The glycerine used here is not the same as the one you use on your body, especially in winters. To clean your baby's tongue, you can buy glycerine from a pharmacy. A small drop of glycerine would be enough to clean the baby's tongue.
If you see white particles glued to the baby’s tongue, then it can be cleaned using a tiny drop of toothpaste but be sure to rinse it off thoroughly or else your baby might swallow the toothpaste.
Clean the gums and the inside of his cheeks thoroughly while cleaning the tongue.
Some babies become cranky and do not allow to clean their mouth. If your little one is irritable while you clean his tongue, wait until he is in a good mood.
Last but not least, take your baby for regular dental visits.
FAQs
1. When Should I Start Brushing My Baby's Teeth?
You can start brushing your baby's teeth as early as his first tooth erupts. You can use a clean, damp cloth, a gauze pad, or a finger brush to clean his first teeth and tongue. Once his teeth start erupting, gently brush his teeth in the morning and before his bedtime.
2. Can I Use Toothpaste to Brush My Baby's Teeth?
You can use a fluoride toothpaste to brush his teeth, however, the amount of toothpaste used should not be more than a smear or the size of a rice grain.
It's never too early to start paying attention to the oral hygiene of your baby. Cleaning your baby’s tongue and teeth will go a long way in ensuring proper oral hygiene - so clean your baby's mouth on a regular basis and keep him happy!
Also Read: Oral Thrush in Babies Read more
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Eating Eggs During Breastfeeding - Is It Safe?
During pregnancy and lactation, a woman takes extra steps to ensure that she is supplying her baby with enough nutrients for his growth and development, but eating certain foods, such as eggs, which are usually considered very nutritious and safe, can prove to be detrimental for the baby's health. Eggs are a versatile food and very healthy, but if you are in your nursing stage, you might want to think twice before including them in your diet. Read on to find out if can eat eggs while breastfeeding.
Can Breastfeeding Mothers Eat Eggs?
Eggs, as we all know, are a great source of protein, and you can eat them while nursing your baby. You can consume them 3 or 4 times a week. You can eat eggs, but you should consume cooked eggs alone. Eating raw eggs is not recommended while breastfeeding. Furthermore, in your nursing phase, you must make sure that your daily calorie intake is increased by 500 to meet your baby's nutrient requirements, and these calories should come from a wholesome diet.
Benefits of Eating Eggs While Breastfeeding
Consuming eggs while nursing your baby is a healthy option as eggs contain loads of health benefits which are mentioned below:
Eating eggs while breastfeeding will help increase the good cholesterol levels in your body, which will help lower the risk of heart ailments like heart attack, stroke and other health problems.
Eggs are fully loaded with vitamins, nutrients and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, phosphorus, selenium, calcium, zinc, etc., which can be very beneficial for your health in your nursing stage.
Eggs also contain an essential compound known as choline which is vital for many bodily functions.
Eggs are also beneficial for the eyes; eating eggs can help prevent macular degeneration and cataract.
Eggs are also a storehouse of essential amino acids which is required by the body for essential functioning.
Can You Eat Raw Eggs?
It is not advisable to consume raw eggs while breastfeeding or even otherwise. Consumption of raw eggs or even undercooked eggs can lead to an increased risk of developing salmonella, which causes fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and nausea. Raw eggs are used in the preparation of homemade sauce, salad dressings, tiramisu, frostings, etc. If unfortunately, you are affected with salmonella, it will remain in your intestine and won't enter your breast milk. But it can lead to dehydration, which is also not good while breastfeeding, as dehydration will reduce the supply of milk in your body.
Egg Allergy – Things to Keep in Mind
While it is considered safe to consume eggs while nursing your baby, you need to consider the following points:
It is advisable to get your baby tested for allergies before you include any possible allergy-causing foods such as eggs in your diet while nursing your baby.
If you consume eggs during breastfeeding and notice symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, rashes, breathing problems, hives, asthma, etc., in your baby, it could be a sign of an egg allergy in infants. If you witness any of these symptoms, then consult a doctor and stop eating eggs and wait until the condition improves.
In case your baby is severely allergic then you need to keep a note of all other foods you consume.
A lot of packed foods and candies contain egg which can also cause allergic reactions in your baby.
Completely avoid mayonnaise, salad dressings that contain egg, batter-fried items, and other store-bought foods.
Drink plenty of water while nursing to keep your body hydrated and to eliminate all the toxic components from your body.
If you are in your nursing phase, you can consume cooked eggs (if your baby doesn't have an allergy, of course). But it is suggested that you consult a doctor with regards to including them in your diet. Have a healthy diet during breastfeeding and your baby will be fine!
Also Read:
Coffee during Breastfeeding
Honey during Breastfeeding
Chocolate during Breastfeeding Read more
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Diet Cake
This diet cake is surely different and delicious cake. Its perfect for weight-watchers as it does not contain any butter and sugar. Even diabetic people can enjoy as it has no added sugars. So go all out and treat your taste buds without being guilty.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
2 People
15 Minutes
30 Minutes
Ingredients
1 tsp (teaspoon) cinnamon
2 cup water
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp artificial sweetener
1 cup rolled oats
1 beaten egg
1 cup raisins
1 cup flour
Method
Step 1
In a sauce pan add raisins, water and cinnamon.
Step 2
Heat the sauce pan on low heat for 15 minutes.
Step 3
Take off from fire and let it cool.
Step 4
To this mixture, add beaten egg, oats, artificial sweetener, shortening and vanilla extract.
Step 5
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon powder and salt.
Step 6
Add these dry ingredients to the batter and mix well.
Step 7
Pour this mixture in a baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Step 8
When the cake is ready, let it cool for 10–15 minutes.
Step 9
Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 100 g
Calories
158
Calories from Fat
6
Total Fat
0 g 0%
Saturated Fat
0 g 0%
Trans Fat
0.0 g
Cholesterol
0 mg 0%
Sodium
197 mg 8%
Potassium
234 mg 7%
Total Carbohydrates
37.7 g 13%
Dietary Fiber
3.6 g 14%
Sugars
14.8 g
Protein
5.5 g
Vitamin A
9%
Vitamin C
5%
Calcium
4%
Iron
11%
* Based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutritional details are an estimate and should only be used as a guide for approximation.
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Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
7 hours ago
A. use nasal drops , that acts faster .
You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
11 hours ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
7 hours ago
A. since the follicle size is 18 to 20 mm your ovulation may occur within 24 hours also so if you have intercourse with in that time it will be more effective to get conceived
your endometrial growth is not good enough for conception but still you can just try
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
10 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
7 hours ago
Q. My breasts feel full and heavy, but there’s no milk when pumping and during feeding baby —what do I do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. But it is really very difficult to say anything without proper examination. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a doctor and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can help you and guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
7 hours ago
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Dr Disha Patel
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2 hours ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
34 mins ago
Q. hi everyone good morning,
sorghum can I give to my 10 month baby is it safe or not please revert I waiting for your reply
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
32 mins ago
A. yes
whenever you give any new food to the child you have to take care of two things.
you should give in small quantity. if the child doesn't develop any digestion problem in next 24 hours to 48 hours and the child is able to digest that food then that food can be given again.
but if the child is not able to digestc or there is some problem with vomiting or loose motion or colic pain then kindly avoid that food.
we wait for 2 to 3 days to confirm whether the child is having any problem to that particular food or not
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