Has anyone noticed this in their own toddlers? My daughter has had a discolored tongue for two days now. It's yellow/orange and in the middle of her tongue. We are very good about oral hygiene (brushing two times a day, sometimes more if she has had sweet treats) and this doesn't seem to be going away.
I have tried looking at WebMd and AskDrSears online, but neither of these sites have any information relating to this problem and it being seen in toddlers. Have you seen this in your little one? Is it something to be concerned about? What medical websites do you use to check on your child's symptoms?
I feel that I call my doctor way too often (I am a slight worrywart) and I do not want to become that annoying/crazy mom at the office. So I am delaying calling our pediatrician for now...I would appreciate any help or info! Thank you!
Hmmm, does she take vitamins? Because I know personally, if we have chewable vitamins ours and the kids' tongue sometimes turns a funny color. Good luck, and if you are really concerned, don't hesitate to call your doctor :)
This website might help...
http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/66201.htm
-C.
I would look at her diet. If she is eating foods that have orange or yellow coloring, natural or artificial, then it could be the culprit. Sometimes color from carrots and other orange/yellow veggies can linger around for awhile, on tongues, skin, etc.
Good luck to you and check with her doctor/nurse if things don't clear up in a couple of days when she isn't eating those foods.
D.
Hi T.,
As an acupuncturist, we look at tongues all the time :) First, I would ask if it seems to be a bright discoloration from a candy (as some have already suggested) or if it looks like her tongue is a bit pale causing it to have a yellow/orange hue. If it's more on the pale side, it could indicate that she has an energetic imbalance. There are lots of mild symptoms that she may or may not be experiencing related to this pale tongue (digestive issues being the most common).
Hi, T.~ I don't have an orange tongue but after doing a quick google search it seems that there are lots of people who have experienced this. I usually google rather than using one or two medical websites. I think you get a broader range of information that way. Good luck!
PS: You're fine! I seriously doubt the doctor will think you're crazy. I'm sure he's dealt with plenty of moms who have lots of questions. Don't hinder yourself by thinking that you're annoying.
This can be caused by dehydration, or too much yeast in the child's system. Does your daughter seem dehydrated? Try lots of water and some yogurt to balance to yeast in her diet.
This is a good time to call... either your doctor or your dentist. This is not normal and needs to be looked into.
I know for myself if I've sucked on any hard candy or a cough drop even after brushing my teeth/tongue my tongue will stay discolored... Has the discoloration faded from day to day or is it the same? Are there any other skin discolorations on the face at all? I know if they eat a lot of carrots, sweat potatoes etc their skin can change to where they look jaundice...Maybe you daughter's is just manifesting on the tongue?? If it were me I'd probably call the nurse line if it didn't resolve in the next few days!!!
