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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Pain In The Tongue After A Tonsillectomy?

My 2 year old had a tonsillectomy 3 days ago (on Friday) and today he woke up in a lot of pain. He said his tongue hurt. I associated that with him meaning that the back of his mouth hurting. Tonight, when brushing his teeth, I went to go brush his tongue like normal and it had a thick white coating on it. It took 4 times of brushing his tongue to get most of it off. I still didn't get it completely clean. At first I thought maybe it was because I didn't brush his teeth last night because he was so exhausted and it had been a hard night. My sister had mentioned something earlier about watching for thrush. Is it possible he has that? He has not been drinking as well today. And when he takes his medicine I literally have to hold him down and then he acts like it's burning. The only thing he will really drink is a slushy. Thoughts?
Wed, 4 Jan 2017
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.

I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Thick white coating over the tongue with pain and burning sensation 3 days post tonsillectomy seems to be most probably due to yeast infection known as oral thrush.

As he must be taking antibiotics post surgery, it is also one of the most potent cause for thrush. Consult an oral physician or paediatric dentist and get evaluated. He can be advised candid mouth paint to reduce fungal growth. Give him plenty of probiotics like yogurt and garlic as they help in clearing thrush. If there is pain, apply Lidocaine gel or gargle with Lidocaine mouthwash.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Honey Arora
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What Causes Pain In The Tongue After A Tonsillectomy?

Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Thick white coating over the tongue with pain and burning sensation 3 days post tonsillectomy seems to be most probably due to yeast infection known as oral thrush. As he must be taking antibiotics post surgery, it is also one of the most potent cause for thrush. Consult an oral physician or paediatric dentist and get evaluated. He can be advised candid mouth paint to reduce fungal growth. Give him plenty of probiotics like yogurt and garlic as they help in clearing thrush. If there is pain, apply Lidocaine gel or gargle with Lidocaine mouthwash. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Honey Arora