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
Victoria Beckham’s Last Appearance in Crutches Sparks Concern and People Are Speculating
Victoria Beckham’s recent appearance using crutches has ignited a wave of concern among fans and sparked widespread speculation about her well-being. The fashion icon was spotted navigating through a public event with the aid of crutches, raising questions about the nature of her injury or condition.Victoria Beckham appeared at the end of her runway.
Victoria Beckham ended her fashion show in Paris by walking down the runway with crutches. She was showing off her new clothes for the Autumn-Winter 2024 season. While walking the runway, Victoria stopped in front of David and gave him a kiss, which Vogue shared on Instagram. Even though she needed crutches, Victoria looked confident and graceful as she walked, proving that nothing can stop her from being stylish and strong.
People in the comments started speculating.
Users flooded the comments section with questions like «What happened to Victoria?» and one commenter offered an explanation: «FYI: she suffered an accident while she was exercising at the gym.» Another commenter raised the possibility of osteoarthritis, suggesting that Victoria might have fragile bones. The flurry of conjecture highlights the curiosity and concern surrounding Victoria’s unexpected use of crutches, fueling discussions about her health and well-being among fans and followers.
David Beckham cleared the rumors on his social media.
David Beckham went on his Instagram story to share a picture of what seemed to be his wife Victoria’s hurt foot, covered in a special boot. David wrote, «Apparently my wife’s little accident in the gym was a clean break.»
Victoria, the singer from the Spice Girls, joked, «Happy Valentine’s Day to me…» as she posted a photo of her foot with ice on it. She also said in her own Instagram story, «Fell over in the gym!» with a facepalm emoji. This funny back-and-forth on social media showed how David and Victoria have fun together and can make light of tough situations.
Paris Hilton has once again captured the spotlight, but this time, it’s not for her iconic persona or trendsetting style. Instead, social media is abuzz with reactions to her runway walk, igniting a fierce debate among fashion enthusiasts worldwide. While some are quick to mock her unconventional strut, others are applauding her confidence and unique flair.
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