Overview of white Tongue: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
A white tongue is any area of the tongue covered with a grayish-white coating. The entire tongue may be coated, or the coating may appear in patches.
It can be caused by a variety of factors, and each has its own treatment. It is usually a minor symptom, but in rare situations, it can signify a serious condition.
Whitening of the tongue can occur when a buildup or layer of bacteria and debris is present on the surface of the tongue due to mild dehydration, disease, or a dry mouth.
What are the Causes of a White Tongue
A white tongue, also known as "oral leukoplakia," can have various causes. Having this symptom can also be caused by several different conditions. Here are some common ones:
- Oral Thrush (Candidiasis) : Fungal infection caused by Candida yeast, leading to white patches on the tongue and other parts of the mouth.
- Poor Oral Hygiene : Accumulation of bacteria, food debris, and dead cells on the tongue due to inadequate brushing and flossing.
- Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) : Reduced saliva flow, often due to medications, medical conditions, or mouth breathing, resulting in bacterial and fungal growth.
- Smoking : Tobacco use irritates the tongue, causing a buildup of dead cells and debris, making it appear white.
- Dehydration : Insufficient fluid intake can lead to a white tongue.
- Oral Lichen Planus : The immune system mistakenly attacks oral mucous membrane cells, causing white patches or lesions.
- Oral Cancer : Persistent white patches on the tongue can be a sign of oral cancer or precancerous lesions; consult a healthcare professional if you notice them.
- Leukoplakia : Overgrowth of cells in the mouth lining, forming a raised white patch on the tongue due to keratin protein buildup.
- Syphilis : A serious bacterial and sexually transmitted infection with various symptoms, including a white tongue.
Diagnoses
The doctor or dentist may scrape a small amount of white matter from the mouth or throat and look at it under a microscope and look at the characteristic yeast-like fungi. Candidiasis lower down the throat or esophagus is usually found through a procedure called endoscopy.In this procedure, the doctor passes a small camera down the back of the throat into the esophagus and stomach to view the tissue and take samples. If white lesions are found, they can be biopsied or scraped to confirm the diagnosis of thrush. This procedure is usually done by a gastroenterologist.
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Get A Second OpinionTreatment
You might not need treatment for your white tongue. Usually, it should go away on its own within a few weeks. But be treated if it lasts longer or you want to get rid of it sooner. Treatments for common symptoms include:
- Hairy Tongue : Your healthcare provider may not treat your hairy tongue directly but focus on addressing your weakened immune system. In some cases, they may prescribe antiviral drugs or apply treatments directly to the white spot.
- Tongue rash : You typically don't need treatment for a tongue rash (oral lichen planus). However, in some cases, it can last for years.
- Mouth fungus : If you have mouth fungus (oral thrush), your healthcare professional will prescribe antifungal medicines such as Diflucan.
- White Patches : Multiple white patches on the tongue, also known as geographic tongue, do not require special treatment. However, avoid any food and drink that causes discomfort.
- Oral Cancer : If the healthcare professional informs you that you are at high risk for oral cancer. In that case, the white spot will likely be removed with surgery using a scalpel, laser, or, rarely, another method like cryotherapy.
When to visit a Doctor?
If it is your only symptom, you don't necessarily need to see your doctor. But if it doesn't go away in two weeks, consider making an appointment.
Call earlier if you have these more serious symptoms:
- Your tongue is sore, or you feel like you are burning
- You have open sores in your mouth
- You have difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- You have other symptoms, such as fever, weight loss, or a rash
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Book an AppointmentHome Remedies
Some home remedies and habits may also help with getting rid of a white tongue.
- Probiotics : Probiotics, beneficial bacteria for the digestive system, can also help with oral health, including white tongue. While most research focuses on gut health, probiotics can also benefit the mouth and tongue.
- Baking Soda Scrub : Using food-grade baking soda on a toothbrush to clean tongue, teeth, and gums can reduce bacteria causing a symptom like this.
- Raw Garlic : Eating raw garlic can help the body fight off infections caused by Candida. The researchers noted that a compound in garlic called allicin was effective in combating the harmful strain Candida albicans.
- Tongue Scraping : Gently scratching the tongue from back to front can also help reduce and remove bacteria and debris that collect in the mouth.
