Why Is My Tongue White?

Do you have a white tongue? Don't worry. You're not alone. Many people experience a white tongue from time to time. In most cases, it's nothing to worry about. However, there are some instances when it may indicate a more serious problem. With oral health being so important, it's essential to understand when you should see a doctor.

What causes a white tongue?

A white tongue is a buildup of dead cells, bacteria, and debris on the tongue's surface. The causes can range from poor oral hygiene to medical conditions:

• Poor oral hygiene: Food particles can become trapped in your mouth if you don't brush and floss your teeth regularly. This provides a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to a white tongue.
• Dry mouth: A dry mouth can occur for various reasons, such as medication side effects and dehydration. Mouth breathers tend to have drier mouths because they don't produce enough saliva. Saliva is important because it helps to keep the mouth moist and wash away food particles. 
• Smoking: Smoking is a leading cause of a white tongue. This is because tobacco products can irritate the mouth and cause plaque buildup. In addition, smoking also decreases saliva production, further contributing to a white tongue. 
• Oral thrush: Oral thrush is a yeast infection that commonly affects babies and young children. However, it can also occur in adults. Oral thrush causes white patches to form on the tongue and inside the cheeks. It is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as soreness, redness, and difficulty swallowing. 
• Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can also cause a white tongue. This is because alcohol can dehydrate the body and reduce saliva production. In addition, alcohol can irritate the mouth and lead to plaque buildup. 
• Chewing tobacco: Chewing tobacco is a common cause of a white tongue. The nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco can irritate the mucous membranes in your mouth, which can lead to inflammation and the buildup of dead cells on the tongue's surface. 
• Third-degree burn: A third-degree burn on the tongue can cause it to turn white. This type of burn on the tongue is very rare and usually only occurs as a result of a severe accident or exposure to chemicals.

What are the symptoms of a white tongue?

The most common symptom of a white tongue is, well, a white tongue! However, other symptoms may accompany it, such as:

• Bad breath: If you have a white tongue, you may also experience bad breath. This is because the bacteria in your mouth can produce sulfur compounds which cause an unpleasant odor. 
• Soreness: A white tongue can sometimes be sore or painful. This is usually due to irritation from debris buildup on the tongue's surface. 
• Difficulty swallowing: In some cases, a white tongue can make it difficult to swallow. This is usually the result of oral thrush or geographic tongue but could also indicate a more serious condition. 
• Fever: If you have a fever, it may indicate that your white tongue is due to an infection.

How is a white tongue treated?

A white tongue usually goes away within a couple of weeks. In most cases, the following treatments can help to get rid of it:

• Brush your teeth regularly and floss at least once daily: This will help to remove food particles and bacteria from your mouth. 
• Drink plenty of fluids: Staying hydrated by drinking lots of fluids can help keep your mouth moist and prevent bacteria buildup. Drink eight to ten glasses of water a day and avoid sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages. 
• Quit smoking: If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your oral health. 
• Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol: Alcohol-based mouthwashes can make a white tongue worse. Instead, opt for a natural or anti-fungal mouthwash. These can help reduce bacterial growth in addition to being more gentle on your mouth. 
• Use a tongue scraper: A tongue scraper can help remove debris from your tongue's surface.

You can monitor your white tongue at home by taking note of any changes in color or texture. If your tongue does not improve within a couple of weeks, or if you develop other symptoms, see your doctor or dentist for an evaluation. 

Home remedies to help clear your white tongue

In addition to the above treatments, there are also a few home remedies that can help to clear your white tongue:

• Gargle with salt water: Mix together a half teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds. Spit it out afterward. Do this two to three times a day until your tongue looks normal again. 
• Eat yogurt: Eating yogurt, or other probiotic-rich foods, can help fight off the bad bacteria in your mouth and improve your oral health. Choose yogurts with live and active cultures for the best results. 
• Use apple cider vinegar: Gargle with a mixture of one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and eight ounces of water. Do this once or twice a day until your tongue looks normal again. You can also add a few drops of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink it throughout the day. 

When should I see a doctor?

In most cases, a white tongue is nothing to worry about and can be treated at home. However, you should see a doctor if your white tongue is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, difficulty swallowing, or soreness that doesn't go away. You should also see a doctor if you have tried home remedies but your symptoms haven't improved.

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