A white tongue is often a sign of an overgrowth and swelling of the fingerlike projections (papillae) on the surface of your tongue. This causes debris, bacteria, and dead cells to get trapped between the enlarged papillae, resulting in the white coating.
There are many common causes of a white tongue, including:
- Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing your tongue regularly can lead to a buildup of bacteria and debris.
- Dehydration: When you're dehydrated, your mouth can become dry, leading to a white coating on your tongue.
- Alcohol use: Excessive alcohol consumption can irritate the mouth and contribute to a white tongue.
- Smoking or using other tobacco products by mouth: Tobacco use can stain the tongue and irritate the papillae.
- Mouth breathing: Breathing through your mouth can dry out your mouth and contribute to a white tongue.
- Medications: Certain medications can cause a white tongue as a side effect.
In some cases, a white tongue can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as:
- Oral thrush: This is a fungal infection that can cause white patches on the tongue.
- Leukoplakia: This is a condition that causes white patches on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks.
- Anaemia: This is a condition where your body doesn't have enough red blood cells.
- Scarlet fever: This is a bacterial infection that can cause a white tongue.
If you have a white tongue that doesn't go away after a few days, or if it's accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, swelling, or difficulty swallowing, you should see a doctor.
Treatment for a white tongue depends on the cause. If the cause is poor oral hygiene, improving your brushing and flossing routine can help. If it's caused by dehydration, drinking more water can help. If the cause is a medical condition, your doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment.
