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When children are still young, their parents always tell them that it is bad to stick out their tongue. However, in this article, you will learn that it is good to ask your child to stick out their tongue. The tongue is an excellent ally in helping us find out about a child's health, as its color and texture tell us a lot about it.
The tongue should be pink, moist and smooth. If it is not, this could indicate a disease. One of the most common examinations performed at pediatrician appointments is the tongue examination. The doctor asks the child to stick out their tongue to observe it, as this organ can reveal whether they have anemia, dehydration, vitamin deficiency or kidney problems.
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When they are babies, many children go through a phase in which their tongue appears whitish. Sometimes it is simply a fungus and with the correct way of cleaning the baby's tongue the fungus disappears. When the child is in good health, the tongue should be pink, moist and smooth, otherwise it may indicate some type of disease.
White tongue: This can be caused by poor dental hygiene. Teach your child the correct way to brush their teeth and how to maintain good oral hygiene, but it can also be caused by other problems such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis or dehydration. White spots: This occurs when the child has candidiasis in the mouth, a common disease among adults and children.
Cracked tongue: When the tongue is cracked, it may indicate diabetes, stress or a food allergy. Very red tongue: This may indicate a deficiency of some vitamins, especially folic acid and vitamin B12. Geographic tongue: This is a tongue covered in spots and an irregular color that looks like a map. It may indicate a vitamin B deficiency, but it may also indicate stress, allergies or hormonal changes.
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Tongue with sores: these are ulcers that end up bothering the child and interfering with their eating. They can be caused by an accidental bite or a vitamin B12 deficiency, viral infection or iron deficiency. It is essential to see a doctor if you notice any strange signs.
