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
Baby Born With Unusual Syndrome – 22 Years Later She Looks Amazing
These young, allegedly productive qualities are seen in the 99-63-91 body, which stands 1.68 meters tall.
In reality, though, a woman’s level of fertility would rely on a multitude of factors, with physical type playing a relatively minor role.
Despite the fact that obesity has been linked to miscarriages, pregnancy difficulties, and infertility in women, infertility problems can affect anyone, regardless of size.
Mary’s pregnancy and delivery had proceeded without any complications. There were no signs that their daughter Michelle experienced any problems when she was born. Yet the moment she opened her eyes, the physicians realized something wasn’t quite right. They didn’t figure out what it was until they perused medical texts and talked to a geneticist at a different hospital.
Michelle’s face was large and innocent. She had a nose like a little beak, and she was balding. It was discovered that she had Hallermann-Streiff syndrome, a hereditary illness of which there are only 250 known cases worldwide.
Michelle was born at Children’s Memorial Hospital, where no one had ever seen it in person.
When the doctor told us we had Hallermann-Streiff syndrome, my heart fell. “I was concerned about how we were going to care for our child who had a rare genetic disease that was one in five million,” Michelle’s mother said.
Michelle exhibits 26 of the 28 symptoms that are associated with the condition. Although the sickness affects only one in five million people, it can lead to a variety of health issues.
Michelle is just two years older than her sister, yet she can barely reach over her waist because of Hallermann-Streiff syndrome and dwarfism.
Because of her illness, Michelle needs a lot of help, including an electric wheelchair, a respirator, a hearing aid, a probe, and visual aids. Michelle and her family have also had to spend a lot of time in the hospital as a result of the illness. She may be mistaken for a toddler while being 25 years old due to her appearance.
As a 20-year-old, Michelle is happier than ever and as intelligent as a poodle. She is among the happiest twentysomethings I’ve ever met.Her mother Mary continued, saying:
She brightens people’s days with her happiness. She is aware of her differences, but she refuses to let them define her.
Michelle is a great, distinctive young woman despite her challenges. Among other things, she aspires to date and become like her older sister. She doesn’t mind his height because practically everyone is taller than her, but she wished his hair was longer.
Her goal is to become a doctor as well!
Kindly SHARE this article and send her best wishes!
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