Tongue, Pediatrics FAQ

Share to:
Why Your Baby Can't Close Their Mouth: Causes and Solutions

The infant is unable to close their mouth tightly? My child is currently 7 months old, but he/she is unable to keep his/her mouth closed and often has it open. Could a tight frenulum be causing this condition, or are there other possible causes? Additionally, if the frenulum is t...


Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: Sleeping with the mouth open is a habit and is not related to the lingual frenulum. When the frenulum is too short, the tongue may protrude forward, causing a phenomenon where the tip of the tongue is pulled back in the middle. It is advisable to have a doctor examine it f...

[Read More] Why Your Baby Can't Close Their Mouth: Causes and Solutions


Understanding Adenovirus Symptoms in Children Before Air Travel

Adenovirus and Air Travel Hello Doctor, my child started having a high fever of 38.8°C on the evening of Sunday, May 21. After visiting the emergency room, it was confirmed that it is neither COVID-19 nor influenza. After returning home, the fever has been intermittent, reaching ...


Dr. He Zongxian Reply:
Dear Parent of the Little One, Based on the symptoms you described (without mentioning the child's age), your child's symptoms (high fever, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and red eyes) are indeed consistent with adenovirus infection. However, I would like to remind you th...

[Read More] Understanding Adenovirus Symptoms in Children Before Air Travel


Do Children with Adenovirus Need Cardiac Follow-Up After Symptoms?

Is it necessary to conduct cardiovascular examinations after a positive rapid test for adenovirus? My daughter is 3 years old and 10 months. Since April 23, she had a fever for 5 days and tested positive for adenovirus at the clinic. Her symptoms included 1. high fever 2. unilate...


Dr. Xie Wanghu Reply:
Hello, 1. A 1.3-year-old child. 2. Has had a fever for 5 days since April 23. 3. Positive for adenovirus rapid test. 4. Related to Kawasaki disease, with only 5 days of fever and conjunctivitis. 5. Should not meet the diagnostic criteria for Kawasaki disease. 6. If there i...

[Read More] Do Children with Adenovirus Need Cardiac Follow-Up After Symptoms?


Understanding Tongue Coating in Children: Causes and Concerns

Tongue papillae The tongue coating is noticeably granular. It's unclear whether this is due to brushing the tongue too vigorously or if it is a sign of an underlying health issue.


Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The presence of prominent papillae on the tongue, unless accompanied by a high fever indicative of strawberry tongue, does not have significant clinical implications. The reasons for this phenomenon are unclear, but it does not affect health, so there is no need for excessive con...

[Read More] Understanding Tongue Coating in Children: Causes and Concerns


Common Concerns for 5-Month-Old Infants: Feeding, Development, and Health

5 months and 14 days old baby issues? Hello, doctor. I have the following questions: 1. My son, at this age, often experiences spit-up or small amounts of milk coming out when he burps. These symptoms occur at least once a day, but his activity level, height, and weight are all...


Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: 1. At my son's age, he often experiences spit-up or small amounts of milk coming out when he burps. These symptoms occur at least once a day, but his activity level and height and weight are fine. Is there a need for any examinations? ANS: You can discuss this with ...

[Read More] Common Concerns for 5-Month-Old Infants: Feeding, Development, and Health


Understanding Red Spots on Infants' Tongues: Causes and Concerns

Red spots on a toddler's tongue? The child is currently 8 months old and has been observed to have small red spots on the tip or sides of the tongue that resemble petechiae or bruising. Sometimes these spots disappear, and at other times they reappear. It has been confirmed ...


Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello! The causes of red spots on the tongue include: 1. Strawberry tongue (streptococcal infection, scarlet fever, etc.) 2. Herpes simplex; enterovirus 3. Traditional Chinese medicine refers to excessive liver fire; reduce staying up late, drink more water, and avoid hot and dry...

[Read More] Understanding Red Spots on Infants' Tongues: Causes and Concerns


Swelling Under Tongue After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Which Specialist to See?

There is a lump under the tongue? After having my wisdom teeth removed, a lump appeared under my tongue that hasn't gone away for several days and has changed color. Which specialist should I see?


Dr. Zhong Ruixian Reply:
Hello Ms. Ying: You may return to see a dentist or a pediatric infectious disease specialist! Wishing you safety and health! Zhong Ruixian

[Read More] Swelling Under Tongue After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Which Specialist to See?


Assessing Tongue Mobility Issues in Preschool Children: When to Seek Help

Tongue mobility Hello Doctor, my son is 4 and a half years old. I have noticed that he can only stick his tongue out but cannot curl it upwards, and his lateral movement is also not very flexible. However, he does not have a W tongue. He can generally be understood when he speaks...


Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
As long as the tongue can extend forward to cover the lower lip, there is no issue with a tight frenulum or tongue mobility (the tongue only needs to extend forward, without the necessity for upward curling or lateral movement). In fact, our speech production involves not only th...

[Read More] Assessing Tongue Mobility Issues in Preschool Children: When to Seek Help


Understanding Pediatric Lymph Nodes: What Parents Should Know

Cervical lymphadenopathy issues? Hello Doctor, I noticed a protruding lymph node in the area above my son's left clavicle, near the sternocleidomastoid muscle, when he was around one month old. It's about 0.3-0.5 cm, movable, and soft. Now my son is over three years old...


Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: Regarding neck lumps, I previously published an article in the media, and the content is as follows for your reference! When bathing a baby, parents may notice one or several hard lumps on the neck or back of the head. What should parents do? Most of these hard lumps are l...

[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Lymph Nodes: What Parents Should Know


Excessive Eye Discharge in Infants: Is It Normal or a Sign of Milk Aversion?

Excessive eye discharge, aversion to milk? Hello Doctor: My son is currently 2 months and 28 days old. Previously, he had a lot of eye discharge from both eyes, and I would massage them daily. One day, I noticed that the right eye stopped producing discharge, but the left eye sti...


Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello! Infants under one year old are prone to nasolacrimal duct obstruction, which can lead to increased eye discharge. Gentle massage around the nasal wings can help. If there is still significant eye discharge after the first year, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist...

[Read More] Excessive Eye Discharge in Infants: Is It Normal or a Sign of Milk Aversion?


Understanding Strawberry Tongue in Children: Causes and Concerns

Tongue issues? Starting from April 5th, three children began to develop fevers one after another. The youngest child had a fever on April 5th but it resolved quickly. The second child had a fever that ended on April 6th without any prolonged high fever. However, the eldest child ...


Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello, unless the temperature exceeds 42 degrees Celsius, it is unlikely to cause brain damage. Normal body temperature fluctuates throughout the day and can be influenced by age, activity level, and other factors, so measurements may vary each time. The average normal core body ...

[Read More] Understanding Strawberry Tongue in Children: Causes and Concerns


Could It Be Kawasaki Disease? Understanding Symptoms in Young Children

Could it be Kawasaki disease? Hello doctor, my daughter is currently one and a half years old. She started having a fever on May 29 and visited the clinic twice. On June 1, I noticed she was a bit wheezy, so we went to the emergency room where she had blood tests and an X-ray; th...


Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Kawasaki disease has diagnostic criteria: (1) fever lasting more than five days; (2) bilateral conjunctival injection without discharge; (3) oral mucosal changes, including bright red, cracked lips and a strawberry tongue; (4) redness and swelling of the palms and soles; (5) non-...

[Read More] Could It Be Kawasaki Disease? Understanding Symptoms in Young Children


Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Infants with Eczema: A Parent's Guide

Gastrointestinal issues My sister is currently 4 months old, weighs 6 kg, and consumes 150 ml of formula. Recently, she experienced bloating and developed a rash all over her body, prompting a visit to the doctor. The doctor diagnosed her with atopic dermatitis and noted that her...


Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The gastric capacity of infants is approximately 25 to 30 cc per kilogram, so a meal of 150 cc is not excessive. Atopic dermatitis is caused by an allergic reaction of the immune system, and the infant's gastrointestinal tract is a significant immune organ, which may be rela...

[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Infants with Eczema: A Parent's Guide


Understanding Infant Feeding Issues: Decreased Milk Intake and Spitting Up

Issues with milk consumption (decreased milk supply and spitting up) Hello, doctor. My younger brother is currently 8 days old, with a birth weight of 3400 grams and now weighs 5300 grams at two months old. Since receiving his two-month vaccinations (the pentavalent vaccine and t...


Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
As long as the infant's height and weight increase normally (a two-month-old gaining 1.9 kg from birth weight is considered normal), and there are no illness-related issues such as enterovirus or gastroenteritis causing feeding difficulties, with normal urine output, this is...

[Read More] Understanding Infant Feeding Issues: Decreased Milk Intake and Spitting Up


Fever and Red Mouth in Children: Is It Kawasaki Disease?

Fever and red mouth? Doctor, may I ask if a child can have a red mouth when they have a fever? My son, who is about one year old, had a fever once and his mouth was very red, but I don't remember if his eyes were also red. After the fever, he developed a rash on his body. Co...


Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The diagnosis of Kawasaki disease requires the exclusion of other conditions and must meet several diagnostic criteria: 1. Fever lasting more than 5 days, 2. Bilateral non-purulent conjunctivitis, 3. Red, cracked lips or strawberry tongue, 4. Cervical lymphadenopathy, 5. Concurre...

[Read More] Fever and Red Mouth in Children: Is It Kawasaki Disease?


Is It Lactose Intolerance or Bile Secretion Issues in My Child?

Is it lactose intolerance or an issue with bile secretion? My daughter started transitioning from breastfeeding to formula after 7.5 months. During the transition, her stool has consistently been green and formed. After nearly 2 months on formula, she began experiencing diarrhea ...


Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Halitosis is generally the result of bacterial fermentation in the oral cavity, which is related to oral hygiene. It is recommended to rinse the mouth with a few sips of water after drinking milk. Additionally, it is advisable to clean the tongue, gums, and oral cavity at least t...

[Read More] Is It Lactose Intolerance or Bile Secretion Issues in My Child?


How Soon Should Newborns Start Breastfeeding After Birth?

Breastfeeding at Birth How soon after birth should a newborn start breastfeeding, and if they latch on, is it sufficient for them to drink just a little? Thank you.


Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
If the newborn's condition allows, breastfeeding should be initiated as early as possible after birth. A one-day-old newborn has a stomach capacity of only 5 cc (approximately the size of a longan), around 25 cc (approximately the size of a lychee) by the fourth to fifth day...

[Read More] How Soon Should Newborns Start Breastfeeding After Birth?


Understanding Black Spots on Your Baby's Tongue: Causes and Concerns

Black tongue in infants? Yesterday, I noticed a black spot on the middle to back part of my son's tongue (about the size of a penny). He is currently 11 months old and is eating and sleeping normally, and he seems to be in good spirits. Recently, aside from black sesame powd...


Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
There could be several possibilities: 1. A hematoma caused by trauma, which will absorb and heal after a few weeks; 2. Small varicose veins, which present as dark spots and are considered a normal variation that does not require treatment; 3. Melanin deposits in the form of moles...

[Read More] Understanding Black Spots on Your Baby's Tongue: Causes and Concerns


Understanding Baby's Bowel Issues: When to Worry About Changes

Bowel issues? Hello, I would like to ask about my 2-month-old baby. Recently, he would cry and get upset right after drinking milk, but his stool color was normal. Then someone suggested switching formula because they were concerned about a possible milk protein allergy, so we re...


Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
It is normal for an infant's bowel movements to range from two to three times a day to once every two to three days. As long as the stool is not hard, watery, contains blood, or is grayish-white, it is considered normal (greenish stools are simply a result of higher iron con...

[Read More] Understanding Baby's Bowel Issues: When to Worry About Changes


Red Bump Under Tongue in Kids: What Parents Should Know

A red bump under the tip of the tongue? My 4-year-old child has developed a small red bump under the tip of their tongue! It's semi-transparent! They say it doesn't hurt! What could it be? I've noticed they keep playing with that bump! Should I take them to see a d...


Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
It could be a polyp or a cyst (cannot be certain without seeing it in person). It is recommended to visit a major hospital's otolaryngology department for examination, and possibly treatment (cryotherapy or electrocautery).

[Read More] Red Bump Under Tongue in Kids: What Parents Should Know


Page Next