White tongue is the result of an overgrowth and swelling of the fingerlike projections (papillae) on the surface of your tongue. The appearance of a white coating is caused by debris, bacteria and dead cells getting lodged between the enlarged and sometimes inflamed papillae.
A white tongue can result from a buildup of debris. Common reasons include a dry mouth, tobacco use, and not cleaning the tongue. But, it can sometimes result from inflammation or a fungal infection. White tongue is a term used to describe any area of the tongue that has a grayish-white coating on it.
For the most part, your tongue can look white for benign reasons (maybe you're dehydrated or skipped a few brushings), but thicker white patches can also be a sign of infection or, in rare cases, mouth or oral cancer.
White tongue is a coating of debris, bacteria and dead cells on your tongue that makes it look white. Although the appearance of white tongue may be alarming, the condition is usually harmless and temporary.
white patches (plaques) in the mouth that can often be wiped off, leaving behind red areas that may bleed slightly. loss of taste or an unpleasant taste in the mouth. redness inside the mouth and throat. cracks at the corners of the mouth.
Causes of oral thrush
taking inhaled corticosteroid medication for asthma. wearing dentures (false teeth), particularly if they don't fit properly. having poor oral hygiene. having a dry mouth, either because of a medical condition or a medication you are taking.
A white tongue is usually a sign of bacteria build-up. A white tongue may be a sign of thrush or oral lichen planus. Rarely, it's a sign of leukoplakia, a condition that sometimes progresses to cancer. Yellow tongue: Dead skin cells build up on your tongue, causing the surface to look yellow.
It might be a sign that you're dehydrated or that you need to improve your oral hygiene habits. A white tongue can also be a side effect of some common medications. In rare cases, it can be caused by an infection, an underlying skin disease, or something even more serious.
Mild forms of thrush usually require no medical interventions. People with healthy immune systems clear the infection in a matter of days. You only need to maintain proper oral hygiene. Severe cases of thrush will require medical help, and a typical antifungal treatment is largely effective.
This can be caused by an imbalance of good bacteria in the gut, nutritional deficiencies and stress. Whether or not your white tongue is a sign of a serious health concern, it's pointing out that something isn't right.
How long does oral thrush last? With treatment, oral thrush should clear up in about two weeks. Without treatment, it may last up to eight weeks or longer. Monitor your symptoms and visit a doctor immediately if you believe it has spread to your esophagus, as this can cause more serious infection.
For many people, placing a toothbrush or tongue scraper near the back of the tongue can trigger the gag reflex. In order to stop this, it may help to begin by placing the scraper or brush in the middle of the tongue the first few times you clean it.
Drink plenty of water: Enough water helps keeping your tongue clean and gets rid of extra food particles. Eat crunchy fruits that cleanse the tongue naturally: Apples and guava are good examples of this. Eat raw vegetables: Raw vegetables, such as spinach, tomatoes, lettuce and peppers.
A pink tongue is healthy and normal. A red tongue may indicate heat in the body like a fever or a hormonal imbalance. A reddish purple tongue is a sign that there may be inflammation or an infection in the body. A pale pink tongue may be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, a weak immune system or a lack of energy.
When this happens, the harsh ingredients in your toothpaste cause the cells lining the insides of your cheeks to slough off, and as they collect in your mouth, this creates the white, slimy, stringy stuff.
Colors of an Unhealthy Tongue
Red - A red tongue can be caused by many things, such as inflammation, infection, a blood disease, an underlying heart condition, or vitamin B12 deficiency. Scarlet fever, eczema, and Kawasaki disease may also cause your tongue to turn red.
In many cases, home remedies for thrush can take care of symptoms and the infection itself. Home remedies for thrush include good oral hygiene, probiotics, or special mouth rinses. Rinses may include salt water, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, a lemongrass infusion, or certain essential oils.
Thrush is usually caused by a yeast fungus called candida albicans. It is not a sexually transmitted infection. Candida albicans usually lives harmlessly on the skin and in the mouth, gut and vagina.
Severe cases of thrush are usually treated with antifungal medications. They're available as tablets, lozenges, or liquids that you swish around in your mouth before swallowing. Common medications include: Antifungal mouthwash (nystatin)