If you see white patches on your tongue, it's a good idea to see your medical or dental professional for a diagnosis and the appropriate treatment. A white tongue can also develop when a person doesn't practice the best oral hygiene habits. Without regularly cleaning your mouth of bacteria and debris, it will remain on your mouth and on your tongue—which can also lead to cavities and other infections.
One of the first steps, especially if poor oral hygiene is causing your pale tongue, is to improve your oral hygiene habits. That means brushing twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth daily with floss, water flossers, or another interdental cleaning device. You may also want to try gently brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water.
Talk to your dental professional about what could be causing this discoloration. They will likely examine your tongue, ask you questions about your health, and recommend a treatment plan.
Luckily, a pale tongue is usually not an indication of a severe medical condition. This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Shop Now. Our Mission. Contact Us. United States US English. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.
White tongue is a term used to describe any area of the tongue that has a grayish-white coating on it. The entire tongue may be coated, or the coating may appear in patches. There are a few different reasons for a white tongue, and each has a specific treatment. A white tongue is usually a harmless symptom but, in rare cases, it can indicate a serious condition. In this article, we look at common causes of a white tongue and home remedies to get rid of the problem. Maintaining good oral hygeine is important for preventing problems from ocurring with the tongue.
The most common cause of a white tongue is poor oral hygiene. Small bumps on the tongue called papillae can start to swell up and become inflamed in a mouth that is not cared for well. Plenty of germs, debris, food particles, and dead cells can get stuck in between these papillae. This causes the tongue to appear white as the particles build. Basic oral hygiene is essential for everyone, but there are some conditions that cause a white tongue even in people who take great care of their mouths.
These include:. Oral lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that can affect the mouth and cause thick, white patches of skin to appear in the mouth and tongue. These white patches may appear alongside other symptoms, including ulcers or painful cheeks and gums.
Leukoplakia causes thick white patches to form on the tongue and mouth. Leukoplakia is usually caused by irritants such as tobacco and alcohol, but may also result from inflammatory conditions and irritation from dentures. The patches that leukoplakia causes are harmless by themselves. Rare cases can have serious complications, so a doctor should always diagnose leukoplakia. Image credit: Grook da oger, , April 6. Oral thrush is one condition that may cause the tongue to appear white.
Oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by the Candida yeast. Oral thrush causes patches to develop in the mouth and on the tongue. To get rid of white tongue, simply swish a tablespoon of colloidal silver with equal parts water in your mouth for five minutes, twice daily. Oregano oil has antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
A study published in the Brazilian Journal of Microbiology notes that oregano oil has powerful antifungal activity against candida and may represent an alternative treatment for oral thrush, a major cause of white tongue. Put two cups of bark into four cups of boiling water and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then remove the heat and let it cool for at least an hour. Strain the water and drink small portions throughout the day. One of the most important things you can do to prevent and treat white tongue is maintain proper oral hygiene.
Make sure to brush your teeth and gums at least twice each day, including after meals. You can also try tongue scraping, which is another practice of Ayurvedic medicine that can remove bacteria, debris and dead skin cells from the tongue.
Tongue scraping helps get rid of white tongue and improves the smell of your breath too. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that a tongue scraper performed better than a toothbrush in reducing the production of volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath and other oral hygiene issues.
When the pipillae , or small bumps on your tongue, grow, which is perfectly normal, they become more likely to harbor bacteria. This is when your tongue begins to change color and texture, which is more likely to occur when you have poor oral hygiene. Sometimes your tongue may feel sore or have painful bumps. It can also be caused by food allergies, a bacterial infection, a canker sore or a cold sore.
If you smoke, that can irritate your tongue and cause it to feel sore or discolored. Small bumps on the tongue are usually harmless and only temporary. Search Box Clear. Want more tips and offers sent directly to your inbox? Products Categories Goals Brands. Our Commitment Our Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program brings oral health education to more than half a billion children around the world.
Learn more about our commitment to oral health education. Coated Tongue: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment. Top Articles. When to See a Doctor for a Coated Tongue A coated tongue also known as white tongue is a symptom that causes your tongue to appear to have a white coating. According to the Cleveland Clinic , risk factors that may increase your likelihood of developing white tongue include: Improper oral hygiene Medications, including antibiotics Alcohol, smoking, tobacco products, and illegal drugs Chronic health conditions like hypothyroidism, diabetes, and syphilis Oral health conditions, including leukoplakia, oral lichen planus, geographic tongue , and oral thrush Weakened immune system Trauma to your mouth Tongue and lip piercings Cancer treatment Dehydration and dry mouth also known as xerostomia.
Coated Tongue Treatment and Prevention Because a coated or white tongue is associated with a range of health issues, it can be difficult to diagnose on your own accurately.
Steps you can take to treat or prevent your coated tongue may include: Gently brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush for a full two minutes each time! Carefully clean between your teeth once a day using floss, a flossing device, or an interdental brush. Rinse after cleaning your teeth or after meals using an antiseptic mouthrinse. Consider using a tongue scraper to help remove buildup on your tongue.
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