A white tongue is usually one of the common symptoms for certain health conditions.
Medically reviewed by Grazielle Millo-Paderes, DDM, MSc · Dentistry · Unihealth-Parañaque Hospital and Medical Center
A white tongue is usually one of the common symptoms for certain health conditions.
When you see the entire surface of your tongue coated by a thick white film or white patches, that may be an indication of a health issue. Usually, it is harmless and very rarely indicates any health major condition. Along with thick while film on the tongue, you may also notice bad breath, bad taste, and redness.
This condition might occur along with a related symptom called the hairy tongue. However, the thick fur-like coating is not actually hair, it is papillae – small bumps that contain your taste buds.
The whiteness on your tongue can build up over time or may suddenly develop if you irritate your tongue or when your tongue gets an infection.
Symptoms of white tongue may occur with other symptoms. It can vary depending on your health and the underlying health condition. Symptoms that often accompany white tongue are as follows:
White tongue can be the result of overgrowth and swelling of papillae on your tongue. The whiteness of your tongue can be caused by debris, dead cells, and bacteria building up between the enlarged and inflamed papillae.
Causes of papillae inflammation or hypertrophy are:
Certain habits, health issues, and substances can put you at risk of developing this condition. The following are certain aspects that can increase your risk of developing white tongue or oral thrush:
The white tongue usually goes away within a few days or weeks. If it lasts longer, you should visit the dentist’s clinic and get it checked.
In the clinic, the doctor will check your tongue and ask a few questions related to your health and lifestyle. Looking at your condition your doctor will suggest treatment or medication.
Usually, you do not need any treatment for the white tongue as it goes away within a few weeks. But, you may need some medication or treatment if it lasts more than a few weeks. Your doctor will recommend treatment and prescribe medicines depending on the symptoms of the white-coated tongue. Your doctor may suggest treatments if you experience the following symptoms:
Keep in mind that you may not always be able to prevent white tongue. However, the following are a few tips that you can try to reduce the possibilities of getting this condition.
The answer is to maintain your oral hygiene and you can do that by:
Other tips that you can follow:
Here are a few home remedies that can help restore your oral health and may prevent white tongue:
Learn more about Oral Health Issues here.
Disclaimer
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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Medically reviewed by
Grazielle Millo-Paderes, DDM, MSc
Dentistry · Unihealth-Parañaque Hospital and Medical Center
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