There are many possible causes for white tongue, and in some cases, it comes with an unpleasant odor and mouth dryness. To get rid of it, sometimes you just need to brush your teeth. But what should you do if that doesn’t help?
❗ This article is for informative purposes only and can’t replace the advice of a specialist.
What white tongue is
The white film may cover the entire tongue, part of it, or appear as spots. At the same time, an unpleasant odor and taste in the mouth may appear. It looks as if there are small white hairs on the tongue’s surface. In fact, they are buds covered with organic particles, bacteria, and dead cells.
White plaque on the tongue (which can also be yellow) may appear for different reasons, like due to irritation or because of an infection. It usually disappears after several days. If the situation doesn’t change for several weeks, and it’s painful to eat and talk, it’s best to see a doctor.
It’s important to note that the plaque may not only be white. While a pink tongue is normal, a brown tongue means the person drinks too much coffee or tea. A yellow tongue means there’s something wrong with the liver, and a red tongue is a sign that the person lacks vitamin B.
Why the tongue becomes white
Usually, the tongue becomes white due to bacteria, leftover bits of food, or dead cells that get stuck in between the buds. Because of this, the buds may increase in size or become inflamed. This is how white spots on the tongue’s surface appear.
Sometimes, the plaque appears due to an illness. For example, the geographic tongue is also a condition where white spots appear on the tongue. It’s quite rare, and the causes are unknown, but the condition itself is often connected to eating foods that irritate the tongue. It may also be a reaction to stress, an illness, or hormonal changes.
Why white plaque appears on the tongue
There are some things that make the appearance of white plaque on the tongue more probable:
- Age
- Taking antibiotics (white-yellow plaque appearing when there’s a fungal infection in the mouth)
- A diet that’s lacking enough fruits, vegetables, vitamin B12, and iron
- A weak immune system
- Bad mouth hygiene
- Dental prosthetics or other objects that can damage the tongue
- Dehydration and mouth dryness
What piercings have to do with white tongue
Right after piercing the tongue, there might be some white film present. This happens because the number of bacteria on the tongue increases, and it’s normal. Antibacterial mouthwash will help you get rid of it. Plus, there might be a ring around the piercings, which is normal too, and it means the tissue is healing.
If the plaque appears due to an injury (including piercings), the healing should take around 1.5 weeks. You should avoid irritants, such as hot, spicy, or sour foods and drinks.
How to get rid of white tongue at home
- Practice good mouth hygiene.
- Drink enough water.
- Brush your teeth using a soft toothbrush.
- Use a mild fluoride toothpaste — one that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Use fluoride mouthwash.
- Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to remove the white coating.
- Drink cold drinks through a straw.
- Avoid food and drinks that are spicy, salty, acidic, or very hot in temperature.
Who to talk to if you’re worried about your white tongue
- Your dentist can help you remove the white film from the tongue and prescribe medications if needed.
- Your GP can diagnose the tongue, prescribe you certain medications and determine if the white tongue is an indicator of a more serious issue.
What do you do about white tongue?
Preview photo credit Genusfotografen (genusfotografen.se) & Wikimedia Sverige (wikimedia.se) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, Martanopue / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
He waits for an owner who will never come back, rotting from sickness and starvation
A girl from pokhrofskoy richardalovsky ukraine submitted a facebook message to a local animal shelter she claimed that near her house an owner departed for a month, the owner of this house left two miserable dogs chained lately.
This girl poster’s name is xenia detected a rotten smell in this house of course she was ridiculed a lot xenia panics and deletes the post.
The rescuer team of that local shelter did not have any information, no address, no phone number, and after they viewed the sorrowful photographs, they were resolved to locate to save these two poor pets.
After almost three hours of travelling and questioning individuals they got to the house. After breaking the lock they get entry to the house a terrible rotten smell was rising up, tragically one baby did not survive.
The other was a labrador, he was just bones and terrible sick, he was starving for days, he wept a lot and his tears are still pouring. Maybe he was terribly sad. He was afraid and didn’t dare look at savior.
They named him Boss.
The weary baby was being transported in the vehicle to vet, Boss is being examined after the blood transfusion the baby will be cared for at the Vet for a bit.
Boss has a terrific appetite, he is eating well which is a wonderful, he is an exceptionally clever man.
Boss is evolving every day, he was released and welcomed at a temporary house, he is waiting for a joyful home.
Finally something fantastic occurred, Boss was adopted by a family in kiev, Boss’s magnificent adventure has started.
Now is the moment when we look forward to watching this angel’s joyful days. Boss is really gorgeous he loves everything he has a great family.
“We appreciate his new family so much we will always miss you Boss”
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