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
“Heartbreaking: Mother Dog with Broken Leg Clings to Her Puppies, Desperately Longing for Compassion and Relief”
“Frida’s Journey of Redemption: From Tragedy to Triumph for a Devoted Mother and Her Nine Puppies”
Frida, a devoted mama dog, embarked on a perilous journey in search of food, only to meet with a tragic car accident. The impact left her front leg broken, causing excruciating pain.
However, Frida’s plight was magnified by the fact that she was not alone—she was caring for nine delicate puppies, merely ten days old, who were battling their own battle against weakness and malnourishment, plagued by anemia.
Faced with such dire circumstances, Frida’s owner attempted to alleviate her suffering by using plants to splint her broken leg. But his efforts proved insufficient, leaving Frida in prolonged agony.
Adding to her misery, a thick rope was tightly bound around her neck, a cruel tether used by her owner to confine her, all while concealing his cruel actions from the watchful eyes of the villagers. Perhaps it was shame that drove him to hide his disgraceful treatment of the faithful creature.
However, as fate would have it, a glimmer of hope emerged for Frida and her nine precious puppies. A group of compassionate rescuers arrived on the scene, extending a helping h and and a caring heart.
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With utmost urgency, they whisked Frida and her offspring away to a veterinary clinic, where their remarkable journey of healing and transformation would begin.
Day after day, under the devoted care of the veterinary team, Frida and her puppies experienced a remarkable turnaround. Their once feeble bodies grew stronger, and their health steadily improved.
The veterinary professionals kept a watchful eye on them, ensuring they received the necessary medical attention and nurturing support.
Gradually, Frida’s broken leg mended, her pain subsiding with each passing day. Liberated from the tight grip of the restraining rope, she regained her freedom and the ability to explore the world around her once more.
As for the puppies, their once listless bodies brimmed with newfound energy and boundless happiness.
Together, Frida and her nine puppies embarked on a journey of redemption and new beginnings. Their hearts, once burdened by hardship and suffering, now overflowed with love and hope.
The resilience displayed by Frida and her offspring was a testament to the indomitable spirit of animals and the transformative power of compassion.
Now, as Frida and her puppies embrace their brighter future, their story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and the capacity for redemption.
Their tale stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring us all to stand against cruelty and to extend a helping hand to those in need. Through the darkest of times, love and compassion have the power to heal and restore, allowing even the most broken souls to find solace and joy once again.
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