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
KING CHARLES’ HEALTH TAKES A TURN FOR THE WORSE: REPORTS SUGGEST AN ‘INEVITABLE END
Even though it might seem like King Charles is getting better, experts say he is still very ill, and the palace is preparing for his funeral.
The plan for dealing with the king’s passing, known as Operation Menai Bridge, is already in place. This plan is being prepared because there is a chance the 75-year-old king, who is fighting cancer, might not recover.
Read on to find out why the plans for the king’s funeral are moving quickly!
When Queen Elizabeth II became queen in 1952, preparations for Operation London Bridge began soon after. This plan covered everything that would happen after her death, including how to announce it, the period of mourning, her state funeral, and how King Charles III would become king.
Despite just becoming king in 2022 after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles III’s time on the throne has been overshadowed by his health issues. As royal experts report that he is still very sick, preparations for his funeral are moving forward. This situation is bringing urgency to the plans, known as Operation Menai Bridge, which outline the steps following the king’s death.
In January 2024, less than a year after his coronation in May 2023, King Charles underwent a procedure to treat an enlarged prostate. However, by February, the palace announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
In a statement shared on February 10, 2024, through the royal family’s social media, Charles expressed his gratitude for the support and well wishes he received, noting that such kind thoughts are a great comfort to those affected by cancer.
In his statement, King Charles also mentioned how sharing his cancer diagnosis has helped raise awareness and support for cancer organizations. He expressed deep admiration for the work of these organizations, which has grown stronger due to his personal experience with the illness.
During King Charles’s treatment for cancer, the king’s eldest son, Prince William, took on additional royal duties. He also provided emotional support to his wife, Kate, who announced her own cancer diagnosis in March 2024.
A source reveals that Prince William has taken on more responsibilities and is now involved in many of the decisions, as King Charles continues to struggle with his health.
The king has recently resumed public appearances, but he’s finding it difficult. According to the source, his appearances are shorter than usual. After each engagement, he is quickly transported by helicopter and then needs to rest.
The source also notes that, despite it being an uncomfortable topic, the plans for King Charles’s funeral are being prepared due to his worsening health.
The Daily Beast reports that there’s growing concern in the palace, with friends finding it hard to stay positive. A close friend said, “Of course, he is determined to beat it and they are doing everything they can, but he is really very unwell. More than they are letting on.”
Operation Menai Bridge, the plan for the king’s death, is being regularly updated, similar to the plan for Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. This plan ensures a smooth transition of power and includes specific codewords for all members of the royal family.
When the time comes, the late king will lie in state at the Palace of Westminster for mourning, and he will likely be buried in the royal vault at King George VI Memorial Chapel in Windsor Castle.
The palace is preparing a funeral fit for a king. “The palace may seem to suggest that Charles is improving, but he’s still very sick,” an insider told In Touch in an August 2024 interview. “Officials are making sure the funeral meets his wishes and proper protocol.”
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