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A white tongue results from overgrowth of the papillae and a build up of bacteria, food debris, and dead cells.
Papillae are tiny protrusions on the surface of your tongue. The particle buildup causes them to swell, creating a grayish white discoloration.
Discoloration of the tongue is also caused by other factors, including:
Having a discolored tongue can be a symptom of several harmless conditions. It only rarely indicates a serious illness.
Several health conditions can make your tongue change in color. These are:
Lichen planus is a rash that affects different parts of the body, including the:
This condition is not contagious or severe. It often doesn’t have other symptoms, so treatment is unnecessary.
You can expect lichen planus to go away within 2 years in most cases. However, rashes in the mouth can take longer to go away. Lichen planus can also be harder to treat if there’s pain.
Leukoplakia appears as white spots on the tongue, which are precancerous lesions.
Some researchers believe the disease is linked to tobacco use. However, it’s officially known as an idiopathic disease, meaning the cause of leukoplakia is unknown.
This condition is common in middle-aged and older men. Doctors can diagnose this disease through a biopsy, but it’s an invasive and expensive procedure.
Geographic tongue is also known as benign migratory glossitis. It’s a condition where the top and sides of your tongue don’t have papillae.
Irregular red spots with white serpentine borders characterize the condition. In most cases, treatment isn’t necessary.
Mouth ulcers, such as aphthous ulcers (canker sores), are painful. They can be uncomfortable but are usually harmless. Most people find that they clear up by themselves within a week or two.
Some inner parts of your mouth that can be affected by mouth ulcers include:
These sores are round or oval and white, red, yellow, or gray. If the sores spread, it can be hard to eat, drink, or brush your teeth.
Oral candidiasis is also called oral thrush. It’s a condition caused by a fungus called Candida.
Candida usually lives on your skin and inside the body without causing problems. It commonly stays in areas like the:
A candidiasis infection can occur after taking antibiotics or if your immune system is compromised.
Some of its symptoms include:
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It can cause serious health problems without treatment, and each stage of infection has different signs and symptoms.
During the primary stage, sores occur where the infection first entered your body. This can be around the:
These sores are firm, round, and painless. They usually last around 3 to 6 weeks and can heal without treatment.
However, the infection can move on to later stages without treatment. It begins to affect the body’s different organ systems during the tertiary stage.
Oral cancer develops in areas like:
Oral cancer often occurs in people over the age of 40. It also affects men more than women.
Many cases of oral cancer are related to tobacco use, alcohol use, and/or human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Sun exposure can also cause lip cancer.
Here are some simple home remedies dentists recommend:
Having good oral hygiene is one of the most effective ways to get rid of a white tongue. You should brush your teeth and tongue twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste. You should also floss your teeth once a day.
A healthy lifestyle can get rid of a white tongue. Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated.
Eat foods rich in vitamins and fiber. Avoid excessively salty, spicy, and acidic food. Also, don’t smoke or drink too much alcohol.
A white tongue is usually not a cause for concern. However, you can seek professional treatment if you have any of the diseases listed above.
A doctor may prescribe medicine for lichen planus if you experience any of the following symptoms:
If you have a geographic tongue, you might experience a burning or sharp sensation. Doctors may advise you to avoid certain kinds of foods that may aggravate this sensation.
Doctors treat a mild to moderate case of oral candidiasis with antifungal medicine.
If oral cancer is detected early, you can undergo surgery. If the condition is further along, doctors may prescribe a combination of radiation and chemotherapy.
You can prevent a white tongue by using a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush your teeth, tongue, and sides of the mouth. You can also see a dentist for regular checkups and oral cleanings.
Taking probiotics such as yogurt can also prevent yeast infections and harmful strains of bacteria from developing in the mouth.
You should go to the dentist if the white patches on your tongue do not subside after a week of home remedies.
If you have a mouth ulcer, you should see a dentist if the ulcer:
You should also see a dentist if you experience symptoms like:
A white tongue results from overgrowth of the papillae and a build up of bacteria, food debris, and dead cells. It’s described as a grayish-white coating.
Papillae are tiny protrusions on the surface of your tongue. The particle buildup causes them to swell, creating a grayish white discoloration.
Lesions of the tongue can also caused by several diseases, including:
You should seek a dentist’s help if your white tongue is accompanied by symptoms like:
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth and tongue twice a day to prevent a white tongue. Drink plenty of water and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
Professional treatments for a white tongue can vary based on your health.
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