It’s shocking to see your white tongue in the bathroom mirror early in the morning. White tongue occurs due to white coating of bacteria, dead cells and debris on the surface of your tongue. You can see white patches on your tongue or your whole tongue can be white. This could be due to any illness, lack of fluid in the body, mouth dryness, etc. Certain chronic infections on your tongue can cause inflammation and white patches. Tongue inflammation and whitening may occur as a result of smoking and other tobacco use and environmental irritants. Tongue inflammation is called glossitis. Certain white tongue patches are known as Leukoplakia. There are some typical reasons why your tongue is white. Here in this blog, we are going to share a list of these reasons.
Why is my tongue white?
Oral Lichen Planus
Oral Lichen Planus is an infection that can last for many years in the mouth. In this condition, you may experience whiteness of tongue. The physician can recommend mouth washing liquid and spray that improves symptoms such as sore gums. It is also important to keep your teeth in good oral hygiene at least two times a day. Discard food and beverages, alcohol and drug-containing mouthwash from your life if you are suffering from Oral Lichen Planus.
Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia is a condition that usually involves the form of thick, white or grey patches in your mouth, teeth and tongue. The most common cause of Leukoplakia is smoking and alcohol consumption. This condition can be caused by other irritants also. Although some have early signs of cancer, but a number of Leukoplakia patches are noncancerous. If you have Leukoplakia, then avoid alcohol, smoking, tobacco, visit the dentist regularly for the treatment.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that may attack your tongue. Untreated syphilis can lead to white tongue patches and mouth sores. Syphilis won’t go without treatment. If not treated on time, then Syphilis can cause nervous system damage and severe long-term health problems. Treatment consists of one to three antibiotic injections or two to four weeks of antibiotic medicine consumption depending on how severe the condition is.
Oral Thrush
Oral thrush occurs due to Candida yeast. This type of yeast attacks your mouth if you have diabetes, weak immune system, HIV AIDS, vitamin and mineral deficiency. Antibiotic medications may be used to treat the inside of the mouth if it is attacked by Candida yeast. Treatment usually takes one to two weeks to complete and requires multiple applications per day. It is necessary also to administer oral antifungal drugs.
Geographic Tongue
Geographical tongue affects your tongue surface, but it is a harmless condition. The tongue is normally covered with small, rosy-white bumps, which are in fact short and thin projections. Patches on the surface of your tongue can also be experienced. There is no separate treatment to cure Geographic Tongue. You can stop food and drink, as they may maximize discomfort and irritation in your mouth. A certain amount of relaxation may be given through topical application to treat oral thrush. There is no chance that this disease will become cancerous.
Lack of nutrients
Due to lack of essential nutrients in our body and unhygienic condition, white patches may occur on your tongue. You need to improve your eating habits and keep your mouth clean. Brush your teeth twice a day and keep your tongue clean. Take a proper diet, which includes green vegetables, dairy products, meat, fruits, etc. Proper food and a healthy lifestyle will help you get rid of white patches on your tongue.