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
The sign reads, “Unlucky dog – Please help!” as it stands in the middle of a deserted street, catching the eye of anyone who passes by
This was the heartbreaking message left by the puppy’s owner when they abandoned her. The little pup sat forlorn, nestled near a rock, her eyes fixed on the path that the owner had taken, a path from which they would never return to collect her.
A concerned neighbor called Hope For Pets when she stumbled upon the abandoned puppy. Her fear of dogs prevented her from getting too close, and the puppy had been left there since the early morning.
The rescue team interviewed several neighbors, but no one had any information about the puppy. It seemed she had been left behind by a stranger who, out of fear that she might follow them home, had tethered her to a rock.
Physically, the puppy was in good health, but her body reeked, and she was in desperate need of a thorough cleaning.
In a bid to find information about her owner, the rescue team posted pictures of the abandoned puppy on social media with the caption “Unlucky Puppy – Help Me!” The response was overwhelming, with hundreds of people expressing their anger and dismay.
Dogs are known for their unwavering loyalty and companionship, always standing by our side, sharing in our joys and sorrows. There is no justification for labeling them as “Unlucky Dogs” and leaving them to fend for themselves.
Such behavior is not just inappropriate; it’s downright cruel. Hope For Pets continues its search for information about the heartless owner.
If you have any information about the puppy or her owner, please come forward. Justice must prevail, and we hope to identify the person responsible as soon as possible, ensuring that they face the consequences of their actions before the law.
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