A white coating or white dots may appear on a child's tongue for various reasons. Each of the indicated conditions may become serious if proper treatment is not obtained. Parents and caregivers should consult a doctor about any unusual appearance in the mouth, along with any other symptoms being experienced at the same time.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that often occurs in children. This infection causes the tonsils to appear bright red with white dots. White spots may also appear on the tongue. Other symptoms include a high fever, headache, stomachache and possibly vomiting. Strep throat needs to be treated with antibiotics to prevent further complications.
Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever may also be referred to as scarlatina. According to Baby Center, scarlet fever is a type of strep throat that also causes a body rash. It usually begins with a sore throat, high fever and headache. The baby's throat and tonsils may be coated with a yellow or white film. Also, the tongue's bumps may appear larger than normal. Scarlet fever produces a rash on the second day of the infection. Scarlet fever is diagnosed with a throat swab test and treated with antibiotics.
Thrush
Thrush is a yeast infection of the the throat that sometimes occurs in babies. It causes a white coating to appear on the tongue, the sides of the mouth and the roof of the mouth. A baby with thrush may cry while eating, because the condition is often painful. Thrush sometimes gets better without treatment. However, if the infection is particularly worrisome, a doctor should be consulted. Most likely, the doctor will prescribe an oral anti-fungal medication called Nystatin.
Antibiotics
Sometimes, babies and children develop a white coating or white patches on their tongue when they take antibiotics such as Amoxicillin. This occurs because the antibiotic kills off some of the good bacteria in the mouth, allowing fungus to grow on the tongue. This condition often resolves itself soon after the course of antibiotics is finished.
Dehydration
The tongue may appear to have a white coating when a baby or child is dehydrated. If the child has recently had diarrhea or if she has been vomiting, it is possible that she is dehydrated. Dehydration should be treated with Pedialyte and extra fluids. If severe dehydration is suspected, the child should be taken to a doctor immediately, as IV fluids may be necessary.
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