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What Causes Black Tongue In A Child?
Hi Dr. Santosh,
My daughter Meera, who is 11 weeks old, suddenly has a black tongue since the last two days. No other symptoms. Her pooping and peeing and feeding is all normal. She doesn't cry either, but her tongue color has me worried, is this normal?
My daughter Meera, who is 11 weeks old, suddenly has a black tongue since the last two days. No other symptoms. Her pooping and peeing and feeding is all normal. She doesn't cry either, but her tongue color has me worried, is this normal?
posted on
Mon, 7 Sep 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 9 Sep 2015
Answered on
Thu, 10 Sep 2015
Last reviewed on
Hi Dear ,
The symptoms you mention in query can occur due to many reasons but the most common reason for this is poor oral hygiene . The bacteria can grow between the papillae, giving the tongue a black appearance. Other reasons are changes in the normal levels of yeast or bacteria in the mouth can occur after the use of certain antibiotics , mouth breathing. It could be due to low level of iron in body which is giving black tongue appearance. I would suggest you to maintain proper oral hygiene by using wet cloth on gums to prevent any bacterial accumulation. If condition doesn't get better in a week then consult oral pathologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Maintain hydration of child.
Hope your concern has been resolved.
get well soon.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
The symptoms you mention in query can occur due to many reasons but the most common reason for this is poor oral hygiene . The bacteria can grow between the papillae, giving the tongue a black appearance. Other reasons are changes in the normal levels of yeast or bacteria in the mouth can occur after the use of certain antibiotics , mouth breathing. It could be due to low level of iron in body which is giving black tongue appearance. I would suggest you to maintain proper oral hygiene by using wet cloth on gums to prevent any bacterial accumulation. If condition doesn't get better in a week then consult oral pathologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Maintain hydration of child.
Hope your concern has been resolved.
get well soon.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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