2 Possible Medical Reasons Why Your Baby Is Sticking Their Tongue Out
Generally, when a baby sticks his or her tongue out, it's nothing to worry about. A baby's tongue is one of their main tools in the feeding process, so sticking it out is usually due to their sucking reflex. They may also stick their tongue out when they're hungry or full, teething, or just exploring their abilities. However, sometimes a stuck-out tongue can be a sign of a medical problem that needs to be addressed. Here are 2 potential reasons why your baby is sticking their tongue out.
Thyroglossal Duct Cysts
As an adult, if someone asks you where you thyroid gland is, you're likely to say your neck. However, did you know that when the gland first forms in the womb, it grows at the back of the tongue? As it travels down to the neck, it leaves behind a tract — the thyroglossal tract — which usually disappears before your baby is born. However, sometimes it doesn't disappear completely, and cysts form around it.
These cysts, known as thyroglossal duct cysts, are usually benign and not dangerous, but they can swell, become infected, and form abscesses. If the cysts are large enough, they can push a baby's tongue out and stop it from fitting comfortably in your little one's mouth, leading to them sticking their tongue out a lot.
If you suspect that your baby has thyroglossal duct cysts (look out for swellings under the chin and on the neck), talk to an ENT surgeon or specialist. They'll be able to let you know if the cyst and thyroglossal tract should be removed via a simple surgical procedure.
Hormone Problems
Aside from cysts, there are other reasons that your baby's tongue may not fit in their mouth. One potential cause is that their tongue is simply too large. Macroglossia is the blanket term used to refer to a large tongue. This is not a condition in itself, but a symptom or result of another problem. One reason a baby may experience macroglossia is because of a hormone disorder. While hormone problems are usually associated with older children or in adults, babies are not immune to them. In particular, two hormones can affect tongue size: growth hormone and thyroid hormone.
Too much growth hormone (known as acromegaly or gigantism) can cause too much soft tissue growth, leading to a large tongue. Too little thyroid hormone (known as hypothyroidism) can thicken the tongue tissue. As a result, both of these hormone imbalances can lead to a baby sticking out his or her tongue often. A paediatric endocrinologist will be able to diagnose and treat this condition with medicine.
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