Tongue cleaners come into direct contact with the gums and tongue – sensitive and vulnerable areas in newborns. If the cleaner is substandard, made of unsuitable material, not properly sterilized, or soaked in a solution containing irritating ingredients, the baby may face risks such as mucosal scratches, bacterial infections, and fungal growth from the cleaner.

Conversely, a quality tongue cleaner will gently clean without causing pain or scratching the mucosa; it will be safe for the baby due to its benign ingredients and lack of harmful chemicals; and it will limit the risk of bacterial infections, oral thrush, and fungal growth thanks to a guaranteed sterilization process.

Below are 4 criteria recommended by experts when choosing a tongue cleaner for babies.

Cleaning the oral cavity helps reduce milk residue and bacterial buildup in newborns' mouths. Photo: Nam Duoc

Cleaning the oral cavity helps reduce milk residue and bacterial buildup in newborns' mouths. Photo: Nam Duoc

Safety and sterility

This is the core factor when choosing a tongue cleaner for babies because a newborn's mouth is sensitive, and their immune system is not fully developed, making them susceptible to oral thrush or cross-infection. If the cleaner is not sterile, or even contaminated with microorganisms, it will not only fail to clean the oral cavity but also cause illness.

Therefore, the cleaner must be manufactured under sterile conditions, meeting Class A medical device standards. The packaging should be individually wrapped to avoid re-contamination. In particular, the product should not contain preservatives, fragrances, or colorings that could cause irritation.

Soft material, suitable for a baby's mouth

A baby's oral mucosa and gums are very thin; even a small scratch can create an entry point for bacteria. Therefore, when choosing a tongue cleaner for newborns, parents should prioritize products made of non-woven fabric with soft fibers that gently clean without scratching the gums and mucosa. Additionally, a finger-loop design makes it easy for parents to manipulate and control the pressure when cleaning the baby's mouth.

Ingredients that support hygiene and protect the gums

Cleaning with plain water alone may not be enough to prevent plaque, oral thrush, or bad breath. Parents should use cleaners soaked in ingredients proven safe and beneficial (scallions, propolis, NaCl, etc.) to both clean and help fight bacteria, protecting the baby's gums.

However, making a soaking solution at home is often difficult to ensure effectiveness due to non-standard ingredients, potential safety risks, and the possibility of losing the active ingredients of medicinal herbs if prepared incorrectly. Commercially available cleaners soaked in herbal extracts are a reasonable option, saving parents time while ensuring effectiveness and safety thanks to standard medical manufacturing processes.

Ich Nhi 0+ herbal tongue cleaner is made of soft, non-pilling polyester fibers. Photo: Nam Duoc

Ich Nhi 0+ herbal tongue cleaner is made of soft, non-pilling polyester fibers. Photo: Nam Duoc

Clear origin, reputable brand

A safe tongue cleaner for babies should be manufactured and distributed by a reputable company with published quality certifications. Parents can consult pharmacists, doctors, or feedback from other parents in parenting groups or pharmacies for an objective view. Products trusted by many parents, with positive reviews, will give parents more peace of mind when choosing for their baby.

Among many products on the market, Ich Nhi 0+ herbal tongue cleaners are trusted by many parents because they meet all safety criteria for newborns. Each cleaner is sterilized using modern eBeam technology and individually packaged in aluminum foil pouches, ensuring sterility and preventing mold and microorganisms.

The cleaner is made of soft, non-pilling polyester fibers. The wave-patterned non-woven fabric gently removes milk residue and plaque without scratching or irritating the baby's oral mucosa.

Each cleaner is pre-soaked in a solution of scallion extract, propolis combined with NaCl and NaHCO3. These ingredients help clean, provide mild antibacterial action, moisturize, and prevent oral thrush. Notably, the product is alcohol-free, paraben-free, and free of synthetic fragrances, ensuring safety for newborns.

Ich Nhi 0+ herbal tongue cleaners are distributed by Nam Duoc Joint Stock Company – a top 5 traditional medicine company in Vietnam, with over 20 years of experience in herbal healthcare products – ensuring a clear origin and stable quality.

The product is widely available at pharmacies and mother-and-baby stores nationwide.

The Dan