There are many possible causes for white tongue, and in some cases, it comes with an unpleasant odor and mouth dryness. To get rid of it, sometimes you just need to brush your teeth. But what should you do if that doesn’t help?
❗ This article is for informative purposes only and can’t replace the advice of a specialist.
What white tongue is
The white film may cover the entire tongue, part of it, or appear as spots. At the same time, an unpleasant odor and taste in the mouth may appear. It looks as if there are small white hairs on the tongue’s surface. In fact, they are buds covered with organic particles, bacteria, and dead cells.
White plaque on the tongue (which can also be yellow) may appear for different reasons, like due to irritation or because of an infection. It usually disappears after several days. If the situation doesn’t change for several weeks, and it’s painful to eat and talk, it’s best to see a doctor.
It’s important to note that the plaque may not only be white. While a pink tongue is normal, a brown tongue means the person drinks too much coffee or tea. A yellow tongue means there’s something wrong with the liver, and a red tongue is a sign that the person lacks vitamin B.
Why the tongue becomes white
Usually, the tongue becomes white due to bacteria, leftover bits of food, or dead cells that get stuck in between the buds. Because of this, the buds may increase in size or become inflamed. This is how white spots on the tongue’s surface appear.
Sometimes, the plaque appears due to an illness. For example, the geographic tongue is also a condition where white spots appear on the tongue. It’s quite rare, and the causes are unknown, but the condition itself is often connected to eating foods that irritate the tongue. It may also be a reaction to stress, an 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 probable:
- Age
- Taking antibiotics (white-yellow plaque appearing when there’s a fungal infection in the mouth)
- A diet that’s lacking enough fruits, vegetables, vitamin B12, and iron
- A weak immune system
- Bad mouth hygiene
- Dental prosthetics or other objects that can damage the tongue
- Dehydration and mouth dryness
What piercings have to do with white tongue
Right after piercing the tongue, there might be some white film present. This happens because the number of bacteria on the tongue increases, and it’s normal. Antibacterial mouthwash will help you get rid of it. Plus, there might be a ring around the piercings, which is normal too, and it means the tissue is healing.
If the plaque appears due to an injury (including piercings), the healing should take around 1.5 weeks. You should avoid irritants, such as hot, spicy, or sour foods and drinks.
How to get rid of white tongue at home
- Practice good mouth hygiene.
- Drink enough water.
- Brush your teeth using a soft toothbrush.
- Use a mild fluoride toothpaste — one that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Use fluoride mouthwash.
- Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to remove the white coating.
- Drink cold drinks through a straw.
- Avoid food and drinks that are spicy, salty, acidic, or very hot in temperature.
Who to talk to if you’re worried about your white tongue
- Your dentist can help you remove the white film from the tongue and prescribe medications if needed.
- Your GP can diagnose the tongue, prescribe you certain medications and determine if the white tongue is an indicator of a more serious issue.
What do you do about white tongue?
Preview photo credit Genusfotografen (genusfotografen.se) & Wikimedia Sverige (wikimedia.se) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, Martanopue / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
The abandoned and scared puppy lets forth tears at every figure that comes near.
People claim the dog cries “human-like.”
Rain, a German Shepherd noted for sobbing because he cries every time someone approaches him for aid, has touched many people. A story that also demonstrates how memories of abuse may mentally scar an animal and entirely affect its perspective on the world.
Traumatized dogs no longer perceive the world as a place where they may be joyful and loved; instead, everything has darkened for them, scaring and terrifying them. Furthermore, they no longer trust males and see little hope for a better life.
Rain, the German Shepherd dog who cries as you approach him.
The dog had been hiding beneath a van for several days, clinging to the wall behind the automobile for fear of being seen by someone. He couldn’t stop himself from shivering violently. So the locals decided to take action.
The animal rights charity “Hope For Paws” was notified by the neighbors. Volunteers then arrived to assist the dog. They attempted to approach him by showing him a burger, believing that the meal would pique his interest. Rain, on the other hand, was frozen in fear.
The German Shepherd then began to scream heartbreakingly loudly. The dog was attempting to persuade the rescuers to go since he does not trust them. They realized it would be difficult to help this sick dog. Loreta, one of the rescuers, recognized the dog’s difficult background.
It’s difficult to picture the type of abuse this dog must have received. Rescuers have never previously heard an animal wail like this. They were in terrible need. Rain crept out from beneath the car to hide in an even tighter location, making things much worse. He desired to establish separation.
On the bright side, the rescue crew placed a net on one side, while Loreta stood on the other, attempting to attract Rain’s attention. And it finally worked! The dog was apprehended, but he began wailing again and couldn’t stop since he was terrified of the scenario. He was expecting the worst.
Rain stopped crying and eventually calmed down after being taken to a veterinarian clinic for a health check, and seeing that no one wanted to hurt him, the dog was swiftly transported to a veterinary clinic for a health check. He eventually learnt to cope with his trauma. In addition, the dog was improving with each passing day.
Rain grew friendly and was able to find a temporary foster family until he could find a permanent home. He is now known as “Sassy Pants Dunbar,” which suits his wonderful attitude.
This German Shepherd had a joyful ending, which we hope will continue in perpetuity.
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