White Tongue: 10 Top Causes

White tongue is white coloration of tongue due to a coat of bacteria, fungi, dead cells, or inflammation/overgrowth of papillae, or other causes. Mayo clink.

A white tongue occurs when the tiny projections (papillae) on the tongue become overgrown and swollen. This results in a white coating on the tongue as debris, bacteria, and dead cells get trapped in the enlarged and sometimes inflamed papillae.

Cause of white tongue

It can be caused by several factors, including oral hygiene, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices. Here are the 10 most common causes of white tongue and their respective treatments:

1. Dehydration:
   • Drink more water and stay hydrated to prevent a this condition.
2. Poor oral hygiene:
   • Brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and food particles on your tongue.
3. Smoking:
   • Quit smoking to reduce the risk of developing a white tongue.
4. Dry mouth:
   • Breathing through your mouth, can cause dry mouth and white tongue
   • Drink more water and chew gum to stimulate saliva production and prevent dry mouth.
5. Yeast infection (thrush):
   • Thrush is a yeast infection, caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans.
   • Thrush can cause white patches or a coating on the tongue, as well as soreness and redness in the mouth.
   • An antifungal mouthwash or antifungal cream applied to the tongue can help treat thrush. Good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing, can also help prevent thrush.
6. Leukoplakia:
   • Avoid irritants like tobacco and alcohol to prevent leukoplakia and seek medical treatment if necessary.
7. Geographic tongue:
   • No specific treatment is needed for geographic tongue, but avoiding spicy or acidic foods can help alleviate discomfort.
8. Syphilis:
   • Antibiotics are used to treat syphilis and prevent the spread of the disease.
9. Scarlet fever:
   • Antibiotics are used to treat scarlet fever and prevent the spread of the disease.
10. Strep throat:
    • Antibiotics are used to treat strep throat and prevent the spread of the disease.

Strep throat

• It is a type of bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils. It is caused by group A Streptococcus bacterium and is most common in children and young adults.
• Symptoms of strep throat include a sore throat, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and swollen glands in the neck. In severe cases, there may also be a rash.
• Diagnosis of strep throat is usually done through a rapid strep test or a throat culture.
• Treatment typically involves antibiotics. The patient must finish the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the bacteria from becoming resistant to the medication.
  • Drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and avoiding irritants like alcohol and tobacco can help relieve symptoms.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help reduce pain and fever.

SUMMARY

White tongue can be caused by dehydration, poor oral hygiene, smoking, dry mouth, yeast infection, leukoplakia, geographic tongue, syphilis, scarlet fever, and strep throat. Treatments vary from drinking more water and avoiding irritants, to using antifungal mouthwash or antibiotics, depending on the cause. Consult a dentist or doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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