What White Tongue Is, and What to Do About It

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 CommonsCC BY-SA 4.0Martanopue / Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 3.0

Old Man Helps Single Mom Fix Baby Stroller, Next Day Sees Private Jet Landing For Him

An elderly man steps in to help a struggling single mom when a wheel falls off her baby’s stroller. Days later, he finds himself aboard a private jet, en route to a tropical paradise.

At seventy-two, Joseph Benjamin had settled into a quiet, predictable routine. Widowed and with his two grown children living far away, Joe’s days were simple. He would wake with the sunrise, ride his bike to the bakery for fresh rolls, and spend his afternoons tinkering in his workshop. Life had become a calm, steady rhythm — until the day he met April and her baby, Emma.

That morning, Joe was cycling to the bakery when he spotted a young woman in a grey tracksuit, struggling with an old-fashioned stroller. One of the wheels had come loose, and she was desperately trying to fix it while her baby cried inside the uneven stroller.

“Excuse me,” Joe offered gently. “Do you need a hand?”

The woman looked up, tears filling her eyes. “Yes,” she said, her voice breaking. “I think I do.”

Seeing her distress, Joe awkwardly patted her shoulder. “It’s alright,” he reassured her. “We’ll have this stroller fixed in no time.”

The woman, wiping her tears, explained through sobs, “I should never have brought this old stroller out… it was mine when I was a baby. I guess I got nostalgic.”

Joe smiled warmly. “I understand that feeling. I saved all my children’s old toys, and my grandkids love them. Let’s see what we can do.”

He took out his tool kit from his bike and quickly diagnosed the problem — a loose lug nut. “It’s not broken, just needs tightening,” he said. “But you might want to take the baby out first. The wheel could give a bit of a jolt.”

As April picked up her baby, Joe worked on the stroller. A moment later, the wheel clicked back into place. “There you go,” Joe announced, “good as new!”

April smiled brightly, holding her baby close. “Thank you! You’ve saved my day. It’s my first one back in Cheyenne, and it was turning into a disaster.”

“Where were you before?” Joe asked.

“I was in California for college,” she replied.

“You’re lucky,” Joe said with a sigh. “I’ve never been to California or even seen the ocean.”

April’s face softened. “It’s beautiful there, but I wanted my daughter to grow up here, in my hometown.”

As they continued to chat, Joe shared his own story of rarely seeing his children and grandchildren. April, who introduced her baby as Emma, told him how much she missed her parents, who had passed away a year ago. Their conversation was easy, comforting.

“Why don’t you and Emma join an old man for coffee?” Joe suggested, pointing to his favorite café across the street. April gladly accepted, and they spent the rest of the morning together.

As they were leaving, April said, “Emma and I are going on a little trip tomorrow. How about you come with us?”

Surprised but delighted, Joe agreed. The next morning, a sleek black car with a chauffeur arrived at Joe’s home to pick him up. “Where are we going?” Joe asked, still in disbelief.

April, with a playful grin, replied, “It’s a surprise!” The car drove them straight onto the tarmac at a local airport, where a luxurious private jet awaited.

“Wait… what’s going on?” Joe asked, wide-eyed.

“We’re going to the beach,” April said, smiling. “You’re finally going to see the ocean!”

Joe could hardly believe it. He had never flown in his life, let alone traveled in a private jet. As they took off, Joe was overwhelmed with joy. “I can’t believe this! I’m actually flying — and I’ll see the ocean!”

April explained that she had inherited a private jet charter company from her parents, and she always had a plane ready for trips. From that day on, Joe became a regular guest on April and Emma’s vacations, becoming a surrogate grandfather to the little girl.

This story reminds us that life can bring unexpected joys. Joe thought he had seen everything life had to offer, but one small act of kindness opened the door to incredible new experiences. His simple gesture not only helped a young mom in need but also led to fulfilling his lifelong dream — proving that kindness truly has the power to change lives.

Share this story with others — it might brighten their day and inspire them to help someone in need.

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