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
Last Kiss Before Child Delivery: A Man Lost His Wife And Became a Single Dad To Quadruplets!
Carlos and Erica Morales had a terrible fairytale relationship that once took place in Phoenix, Arizona. Their romance started in 2006. They initially had some linguistic obstacles, but they rapidly overcome them because they connected right away.
Following a few setbacks, they got married in 2007 and excitedly started their family-building quest. Even though they had suffered the pain of a miscarriage, they were ecstatic to learn that Erica was expecting quadruplets.
But instead of being the happiest time in their life, it turned into heartbreak. Erica unfortunately lost suddenly shortly after giving birth to their four beautiful infants, leaving Carlos to raise their quadruplets alone while grieving greatly.
Carlos showed incredible fortitude in the face of such intense grief by naming their four children—Carlos Jr., Paisley, Tracey, and Erica—in honor of his late wife.
Although becoming a single father came with its own set of difficulties, Carlos accepted it with great commitment. He became skilled at taking care of his infants and concentrated on realizing Erica’s aspirations for the future of his kids.
On this voyage, Carlos wasn’t traveling alone. Friends, relatives, and most of all Erica’s mother, Sondra Bridges, came together to support and love him during the difficult time of raising quadruplets.
Carlos came upon a message on Erica’s iPad one day while sorting through her things that detailed her goals and dreams for their kids. Carlos was greatly inspired by this finding, which motivated him to work toward making those aspirations come true.
Carlos Morales’s story is one of unfathomable loss, unwavering fortitude, and a steadfast love that endures beyond even the darkest moments of sorrow.
Carlos and his quadruplets are in our thoughts and prayers. I hope they keep finding the courage and steadfast support they require on this difficult path. A moving reminder of the enduring power of love and the relationships that mold our lives is provided by their narrative.
Please feel free to remark and share your ideas.
Leave a Reply