First of all, it should be emphasized that a white tongue does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with your health - in most cases, a white tongue is nothing to worry about. However, it can be an indicator of other problems, so you should definitely not ignore it without first checking what it is.
White tongue it is actually a symptom that can occur due to other problems. The name itself tells you how you can recognize it - when the surface of the tongue is covered with a thick, white layer. It can cover the entire surface, but it can cover only some parts of the tongue. A white tongue often occurs along with bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
What causes white tongue?
A white tongue is most often caused by bacteria, food debris or dead cells that accumulate between the lingual papillae on the surface of the tongue. These dead cells can cause the papillae to swell, causing a white layer to form on your tongue.
A white tongue is most often a symptom of other problems, which may include:
Leukoplakia
A frequent condition caused by various anomalies on the surface of the mucous membrane, it is usually excessive, harmless sloughing. This most commonly occurs due to mouth irritation from substances such as alcohol and cigarettes, but sometimes leukoplakia occurs on its own. Leukoplakia is not a disease in itself, but the whitish spots are a syndrome, so an accurate diagnosis must be made.
Lichen planus in the mouth
Chronic inflammation caused by a disorder of the immune system. This inflammation is not contagious.
Photo: Freepik
Geographic tongue (or benign migratory glossitis)
It is a fairly common non-threatening condition that primarily affects the tongue. Reddish areas without taste buds appear on the tongue and are surrounded by a slightly raised whitish border. The term "geographical" comes from the fact that the lesions are distributed throughout the tissue in a map-like manner.
Oral candidiasis
White tongue color can also be caused by Candida, a fungus that we all have in our mouths, but can become problematic if it builds up too much.
Syphilis
This sexually transmitted infection can cause mouth sores. If syphilis is not treated, white patches called syphilitic leukoplakia may appear on your tongue.
White language occurs most often with these groups
- elderly people and children
- diabetics
- people who are treated with antibiotics
- sick people and those with weak immune systems
- people who do not take care of oral hygiene
- smokers and people who frequently consume alcohol
- people who breathe through their mouths or are dehydrated
White tongue treatment
Fortunately, in most cases there will be no need for therapy or treatment for a white tongue – it usually goes away on its own. However, if a white tongue is a symptom of a more serious problem, treatment will depend on the nature of the problem. You may need antibiotics, antifungal medication or, in the case of oral cancer (very unlikely), surgery. You should see your doctor if your white tongue is painful or feels like it's burning, if you have open sores in your mouth, if you have trouble chewing, swallowing, or speaking, and if you have other symptoms such as fever, weight loss, or a skin rash.
Prevention of white tongue
Since it is more likely that a white tongue is not related to a more serious illness, follow these few tips to avoid the appearance of a white tongue.
- drink more water;
- change the toothbrush;
- use mouthwash;
- clean your tongue;
- avoid cigarettes and alcohol;
- if you drink cold drinks, use a straw.
These tips are accompanied by these "timeless" tips, such as: brush your teeth twice a day, floss, watch your diet (eat more vegetables) and see a dentist at least every 6 months.
How to clean the tongue?
Watch the video below to learn how to properly clean your tongue!
