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 Heartwarming Story of a Woman’s Generosity Towards a Homeless Man and His Furry Companion Outside Walmart
As she gazed upon the sign, her heart felt heavy. In front of the Walmart, stood Patrick, a homeless man with a look of desperation in his eyes. However, unlike other beggars, he wasn’t holding up a placard begging for food or money for himself. Instead, his sign was requesting help for his closest friend. This scene touched her soul and inspired an act of kindness that could only be described as angelic.
In our society, it is not uncommon to see homeless people with their loyal pets by their side. While there are debates and criticisms regarding this practice, it usually only becomes an issue when the pet is put in danger. However, these individuals often go to great lengths to provide for their furry friends, making sure they are fed, sheltered, and have a place to call their own despite their living situation.
In Houston, Texas, a woman named Wilma Frice was touched by the sight of a homeless man standing outside Walmart. His sign was made from cardboard and read “Dog in pound, need help.” The message was simple, yet heart-breaking, as it showed the love and dedication of a pet owner who was experiencing tough times.
Patrick, a homeless person, wasn’t asking for help for his own benefit. He wasn’t looking for food or money from people who walked by him. Instead, he was making a plea to those with kind hearts to help his beloved companion, Franklin. Unfortunately, Franklin had been taken to the pound because Patrick couldn’t afford the $120 required to get him out.
Wilma Frice expressed her thoughts about meeting Patrick to People.com, describing him as a gentle and kind person who was going through tough times. She noticed a sadness in his eyes, similar to that of a young boy who had experienced a significant loss.
Upon receiving the necessary funds from Wilma, Patrick took to Facebook to express his gratitude and share a heartfelt message. As someone who is currently homeless, he was deeply moved by the kindness of Franklin and his owner. Patrick’s life’s work has been dedicated to helping homeless animals, and he hopes that his actions will inspire others to do the same. He reminds us that we all have the potential to experience difficult circumstances, and it’s essential to empathize with those who are struggling. Patrick is committed to ensuring that the animals he cares for have everything they need and never end up back on the streets. He feels grateful for the unconditional love he has received from these animals and hopes to continue making a difference in their lives.
Kindly take some time to spread this incredible story among your loved ones. It serves as a gentle nudge that extraordinary acts of kindness can come from unexpected sources. In times of need, an angel may just appear before us- just like what happened to this man.
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