There are many possible causes for white tongue, and in some cases, it comes with an unpleasant odor and mouth dryness. To get rid of it, sometimes you just need to brush your teeth. But what should you do if that doesn’t help?
❗ This article is for informative purposes only and can’t replace the advice of a specialist.
What white tongue is
The white film may cover the entire tongue, part of it, or appear as spots. At the same time, an unpleasant odor and taste in the mouth may appear. It looks as if there are small white hairs on the tongue’s surface. In fact, they are buds covered with organic particles, bacteria, and dead cells.
White plaque on the tongue (which can also be yellow) may appear for different reasons, like due to irritation or because of an infection. It usually disappears after several days. If the situation doesn’t change for several weeks, and it’s painful to eat and talk, it’s best to see a doctor.
It’s important to note that the plaque may not only be white. While a pink tongue is normal, a brown tongue means the person drinks too much coffee or tea. A yellow tongue means there’s something wrong with the liver, and a red tongue is a sign that the person lacks vitamin B.
Why the tongue becomes white
Usually, the tongue becomes white due to bacteria, leftover bits of food, or dead cells that get stuck in between the buds. Because of this, the buds may increase in size or become inflamed. This is how white spots on the tongue’s surface appear.
Sometimes, the plaque appears due to an illness. For example, the geographic tongue is also a condition where white spots appear on the tongue. It’s quite rare, and the causes are unknown, but the condition itself is often connected to eating foods that irritate the tongue. It may also be a reaction to stress, an illness, or hormonal changes.
Why white plaque appears on the tongue
There are some things that make the appearance of white plaque on the tongue more probable:
- Age
- Taking antibiotics (white-yellow plaque appearing when there’s a fungal infection in the mouth)
- A diet that’s lacking enough fruits, vegetables, vitamin B12, and iron
- A weak immune system
- Bad mouth hygiene
- Dental prosthetics or other objects that can damage the tongue
- Dehydration and mouth dryness
What piercings have to do with white tongue
Right after piercing the tongue, there might be some white film present. This happens because the number of bacteria on the tongue increases, and it’s normal. Antibacterial mouthwash will help you get rid of it. Plus, there might be a ring around the piercings, which is normal too, and it means the tissue is healing.
If the plaque appears due to an injury (including piercings), the healing should take around 1.5 weeks. You should avoid irritants, such as hot, spicy, or sour foods and drinks.
How to get rid of white tongue at home
- Practice good mouth hygiene.
- Drink enough water.
- Brush your teeth using a soft toothbrush.
- Use a mild fluoride toothpaste — one that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Use fluoride mouthwash.
- Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to remove the white coating.
- Drink cold drinks through a straw.
- Avoid food and drinks that are spicy, salty, acidic, or very hot in temperature.
Who to talk to if you’re worried about your white tongue
- Your dentist can help you remove the white film from the tongue and prescribe medications if needed.
- Your GP can diagnose the tongue, prescribe you certain medications and determine if the white tongue is an indicator of a more serious issue.
What do you do about white tongue?
Preview photo credit Genusfotografen (genusfotografen.se) & Wikimedia Sverige (wikimedia.se) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, Martanopue / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Malnourished and Helpless Mother Dog Desperately Seeks Adoption While Nurturing Her Six Puppies
Seeing an animal suffer is one of the most upsetting sights we can witness in our lives. When we hear stories that touch our emotions, it’s difficult to walk on without wondering if they had happy endings. That is possibly why we feel comforted when we see animal lovers and rescuers compassionately helping these terrible animals.
And here is the story of Hope’s little daughter and her offspring, who were abandoned long before the dog gave birth. This truth made it painfully evident that the unfortunate animal had to suffer for a long time.
The sad truth was only revealed when an animal rights activist approached the area where the hairy girl lay. Hope was cuddled by the female, who assured her that she was nursing six little puppies. As a demonstrator, she declared she had never witnessed anything so destructive to her spirit.
“I was ready to feed all the dogs when Hope, a female who was half her type’s size and could hardly move, approached me with her sparkling eyes,” the rescuer explained.
She took her in her arms tenderly and without hesitation. She learned there were ten cubs, four of which died as a result of the savagery they had been put to alongside their mother and siblings.
Some of these innocent little canines perished as a result of snake bites, others as a result of harsh weather, but the four that died unfairly, with no one to blame, were truly tragic.
Hope was in a precarious situation. Her weight was less than half that of an animal her size, breed, and age. She did needed to feed eight cubs in order to keep them all alive.
The lady realized she had to do everything she could to ensure that the animals could be adopted and receive the care they needed to live and heal. As a result, she began to provide for certain families who took charge of their own life.
One of the baptized children, Teddy, now lives like a king. The activist promises him that she will always love him and be his godmother, and she is glad for the aid.
Caramelo and Tobby were also adopted, while Lola, Coco, and Max were still waiting for their families. Max, on the other hand, died in agony from a gastrointestinal infection.
“Thankfully, Coco is now with a new family; Lola was still behind, but the efforts continued,” the campaigner stated.
Hope has already been sterilized, and all of the children have found loving homes, much to everyone’s satisfaction.
Despite the fact that they were late for Lola, she was finally able to fly after 7 months of waiting. Since then, she has been enjoying her new life with her brother Alex.
Despite her problems, Hope is a vibrant young woman who is eager to share her love and friendship. You will never have to go through the anguish of a road maternity again. Share this emotional savior with others.
Leave a Reply