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
5 histórias épicas que expõem os segredos dos vizinhos
Ótimo! Entendido. Sem pontos no início das frases.
Para criar uma história longa e envolvente que revele os segredos dos vizinhos, preciso de um ponto de partida mais específico. O título “5 histórias épicas que expõem os segredos dos vizinhos” é um excelente conceito, mas para uma única narrativa coesa, precisamos focar em um tipo de segredo ou uma situação central que desencadeie essas revelações.
Pense em qual destas ideias cativantes mais te agrada, ou se tiver outra em mente, me diga!
- O Segredo do Jardineiro Excêntrico: Imagine um vizinho, conhecido por seu jardim misterioso e impecável, que esconde algo muito mais valioso ou perigoso do que apenas flores raras entre suas plantas. Talvez um tesouro, a prova de um crime antigo ou até mesmo uma identidade secreta.
- A Fachada de Perfeição no Condomínio: Um casal aparentemente perfeito muda-se para o condomínio, e aos poucos, os outros moradores começam a notar pequenas fissuras em sua vida ideal, levando a descobertas chocantes sobre o que realmente acontece a portas fechadas.
- O Velho Aposentado com um Passado Secreto: Um jovem recém-chegado ao bairro se aproxima de um vizinho idoso e gentil, mas começa a suspeitar que a vida tranquila do senhor esconde um passado de aventuras, perigos ou até mesmo um envolvimento com eventos históricos importantes.
- A Rede de Fofocas que Revela a Verdade: Em uma rua onde todos conhecem a vida de todos, uma fofoca inocente se transforma em uma bola de neve, revelando segredos profundos e interligados de vários vizinhos, mudando para sempre a dinâmica da comunidade.
Qual dessas tramas te inspira mais a explorar? Me diga qual delas você gostaria que se tornasse a nossa história, e então começaremos a tecer essa narrativa juntos.
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