Our tongue has small finger-like projections known as papillae. These perform a variety of jobs, from enabling a better grip to holding taste receptors. However, when papillae swell, they trap debris, germs, and food particles. This blend of oddities gives your tongue a white color.
At first sight, in the bathroom mirror, a white tongue can give you a jump scare. However, no matter how earthy it may seem, a white tongue is far from dangerous.
Causes And Conditions Related to White Tongue:
Here are few causes and condition that leads to the development of a white film on your tongue:
- Poor Oral hygiene is a lack of brushing and flossing.
- Dehydration.
- Dry Mouth, lack of saliva production.
- Medications.
- Breathing through your mouth.
- Use of alcohol and tobacco.
Leukoplakia:
The telltale signs of leukoplakia are white patches that develop inside your mouth. Moreover, these white patches can emerge on the inside of your cheeks, gums, or your tongue. Leukoplakia is often associated with excessive use of tobacco or alcohol. Although these patches are usually harmless, they can still develop into oral cancer.
Oral Thrush:
A yeast infection is characterized by white patches on the tongue or inside the mouth. Moreover, these patches can be painful, causing trouble talking or eating. This infection results from a weakened immune system, like in HIV or due to certain medications.
Oral Lichen Planus:
Another outcome of a weakened immune system. Once again, this inflammatory condition results in white skin patches inside the mouth or tongue. Additional symptoms include painful swelling of gums and sores that line inner cheeks.
Syphilis:
It’s an STD whose symptoms extend to the mouth. Untreated syphilis can cause white patches and sores to occur inside the mouth.
How to get rid of it:
You can get rid of a white tongue not caused by any particular condition by gently brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper. Furthermore, drinking plenty of water helps clean the tongue by flushing out trapped debris and particles. Nonetheless, if white tongue results from a particular condition that we discussed above, you may need medical attention.
Leukoplakia and Oral lichen planus do not call for any specific treatment. However, if conditions turn severe, you might need to visit a dentist. Furthermore, lowering tobacco or alcohol consumption can tune down white patches of leukoplakia.
Oral thrush and syphilis are both infections that require medical attention. Mostly, for these infections, a dose of antifungals and antibiotics will do the trick.
Conclusion:
White tongue is a common issue with several underlying causes. Mostly, this condition spawns from a lack of oral hygiene. On the other hand, a few infections do share white tongue as a common symptom. In the latter case, you might need to visit a dentist for an oral checkup. Therefore, for a complete and accurate checkup, visit Brookshire Smile Dental. In addition, you can also call us at 281-934-1010.