There are many possible causes for a white tongue, and in some cases, it is associated with an unpleasant odour and a dry feeling in the mouth. Sometimes brushing your teeth is all you need to get rid of it. But what if that doesn’t work?
NOTE: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice.
What white tongue is
The white film may cover the whole tongue, part of it, or appear spotted. There may also be an unpleasant smell and taste in the mouth. It looks as if there are small white hairs on the surface of the tongue. These are actually buds. They are covered with organic particles, bacteria and dead cells.
A white plaque on the tongue (which can also be yellow) can appear for a number of reasons, for example, because of irritation or because of an infection. It usually disappears after a few days. It’s best to see a doctor if the situation doesn’t change after a few weeks and it’s painful to eat or speak.
It’s important to note that the plaque doesn’t have to be all white. A pink tongue is normal, but a brown tongue is a sign that the person drinks too much coffee or tea. A yellow tongue is a sign that there’s something wrong with the liver, and a red tongue is a sign of vitamin B deficiency.
Why the tongue becomes white
Usually, bacteria, food particles or dead cells get stuck between the buds and turn the tongue white. Because of this, the buds can become larger or they can become inflamed. This is how the white patches appear on the surface of the tongue.
Sometimes the plaque is caused by a disease. Another condition where white patches appear on the tongue is geographic tongue. It’s quite rare and the causes aren’t known. But the condition itself is often linked to eating foods that irritate the tongue. It can also be a reaction to stress, 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 likely:
