White tongue is a term used to describe any area of the tongue that has a grayish-white coating. Whiteness may cover the entire tongue or be seen on part of the tongue. There are several different causes for tongue whitening, each of which requires specific treatment. White tongue is usually a harmless symptom, but in rare cases it can indicate a serious problem. In this article, we will examine the common causes of white tongue and home remedies to get rid of this problem.
Causes of white tongue
The most common cause of white tongue is poor oral hygiene. Small bumps on the tongue called papillae can start to swell and become inflamed in the mouth that is not well cared for. Lots of germs, food debris and particles and dead cells can get caught in these papillae. This causes whiteness on the tongue. Things that can lead to whiteness of the tongue include:
Dry mouth caused by mouth breathing or sleeping with your mouth open
Do not brush properly and do not floss
Do not clean the tongue
Dehydration
Stimulation by sharp edges inside the mouth such as teeth, braces or dentures
Regular alcohol consumption
Smoking, chewing or smoking
Basic oral hygiene is essential for everyone, but there are some conditions that cause white tongue, even in people who take great care of their mouth. This includes:
Relationship between white tongue and oral lichen planus disease
But oral plan is an inflammatory disease that can affect the mouth and cause thick white spots in the mouth and tongue. These white spots may appear painful along with other symptoms, including sores on the cheeks and gums.
Relationship between white tongue and leukoplakia
Leukoplakia causes thick white spots on the tongue and mouth. Leukoplakia is usually caused by irritants such as tobacco and alcohol, but it can also be caused by inflammation and irritation of dentures.
The spots that leukoplakia causes are harmless on their own, but in rare cases can have serious side effects, so you should consult your doctor and be constantly monitored.
Relationship between white tongue and oral plague
Oral thrush is one of the conditions that may cause the tongue to turn white. Oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by the yeast Candida. Oral thrush causes spots in the mouth and tongue that are usually white in color and may be unpleasant. Oral thrush can also be painful, especially when eating or drinking.
People with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop oral thrush. This includes people who have recently taken antibiotics or chemotherapy. Poor oral hygiene or improper use of dentures are other risk factors.
Oral thrush can also be caused by the use of inhaled corticosteroids for asthma. Some other conditions, such as diabetes, increase the risk of infection. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause symptoms in the mouth. Untreated syphilis can cause white spots on the tongue and sores in the mouth, so be sure to see your doctor for treatment.
Other factors that cause whiteness of the tongue
Rare but sometimes serious conditions can lead to white spots on the tongue. Cancer of the mouth or tongue may cause whitening of the tongue, and other conditions of the mouth may make the symptoms worse. Chronic underlying inflammatory disorders may also affect the appearance of white tongue.
When to see a doctor?
Getting rid of whitening of the tongue is often easy, though it is not always the case. If the symptoms do not respond to basic oral care or are experienced along with other symptoms, the person should see a doctor.
Treatment of tongue whiteness
A white tongue caused by a specific disorder may require special medical treatment. Oral thrush is most likely to be treated with antifungal medications in the form of oral drops for 1 to 2 weeks as long as you continue your treatment.
Oral plans, however, can be treated with corticosteroids if they are severe, but in many cases are simply controlled by a doctor or dentist. Also, consult a specialist to make sure that leukoplakia does not get worse.
Syphilis can be treated with the antibiotic penicillin, which kills the bacteria that cause the disease. Reducing mouth irritants such as alcohol and tobacco may help clear white spots.
Home remedies for white tongue
Some home remedies and habits may also help eliminate white tongue.
Probiotics
Probiotics are another way to affect oral symptoms such as whitening of the tongue. Probiotics are species of bacteria that are beneficial to the digestive system. While much research on probiotics focuses on improving intestinal health, probiotics are also likely to be beneficial for the mouth and tongue.
A study in the European Journal of Dentistry found that probiotic bacteria can occupy the mouth as well as the intestines. In some cases, these bacteria can help fight infectious yeasts and other malignancies. Although there is no conclusive evidence, probiotics are likely to help balance the oral environment and prevent white tongue.
Baking soda scrub
Adding baking soda to the toothbrush and applying it to the tongue, teeth and gums may help reduce the bacteria that cause white tongue. One study found that baking soda kills harmful bacteria that commonly cause infections in the mouth, such as Streptococcus and Candida.
Raw garlic
Eating raw garlic may help the body fight Candida infections. Research shows that a combination of garlic called allicin is effective in fighting the harmful strain of Candida albicans. People can eat a clove of raw garlic every day or chop it and eat it with a little olive oil to reduce the risk of developing white tongue.
Shaving the tongue
Gently shaving the tongue from the end to the front is likely to help reduce and eliminate bacteria and deposits left in the mouth. Many companies have developed special tools for shaving the tongue, however, the edge of the spoon can also be used for this purpose.
Prevent tongue whitening
Although it is not always possible to prevent white tongue, adhering to oral hygiene principles can prevent many cases, which can include brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. They do not neglect brushing their tongues.
Choosing a healthy lifestyle can sometimes prevent whitening of the tongue. Avoiding tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, as well as having a varied and nutritious diet may help.
See a dentist every 6 months, and people should report worrying symptoms to a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Perspectives on the whiteness of the tongue
The perspective on white language is usually very good. In many cases, even though it may seem uncomfortable to see, it is harmless. Symptoms may not always respond immediately to improved health or lifestyle choices, but improving oral health is recommended for anyone with a white tongue.
In rare cases, white tongue is a sign of a serious underlying disease, so following a doctor-prescribed treatment plan is the best way to relieve symptoms.
Translator: Elahe Zarei
