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
Till these kind rescuers showed up, a stray puppy with his ear severed cried out for help.
With increased interest in animal welfare, groups and institutions are springing up all over the world to rescue and protect animals in distress. This heartwarming story is about a dog rescued from the streets by an Indian animal protection organization. The puppy was badly injured in one ear when it was discovered. His appearance, crying out in agony, breaks the rescuer’s heart. However, the puppy’s behavior changed dramatically after that.
A white dog was discovered on the streets of India one day. The rescuers quickly phoned Animal Aid, an Indian charity that saves and protects animals.
What sort of dog is requesting assistance… Rescue personnel that arrived on the spot were misled. When they noticed the puppy, they took a brief pause.
One ear of the puppy, who was whimpering and sitting on the road’s edge, hung down and was nearly ripped.
A puppy screaming in agony and dangling his bloodied ears. Because it hurt so much, he wailed and tossed his head from side to side. The rescuer approaches the puppy gently and quietly.
The dog, on the other hand, was terrified and in pain. She wept and retreated from Zurizuri and her rescuers.
Close inspection indicates that the hair is sticking to the surrounding dust, grass, and dust.
The rescuer provided food to the dog, but the puppy was in such much pain that he refused any food.
In the face of such a dog, rescue workers never give up. I wish to relieve this child’s pain. She might have other injuries.
He took his time approaching the puppy and wrapped a blanket around his body. The puppy was then wrapped in a blanket and transported to the Animal Aid center.
The puppy was promptly sedated upon arrival at the institution, and veterinarian care commenced.
His ears, which are only held together by a sliver of tissue, are medically removed and meticulously sutured. After the dramatic rescue play, the puppy was finally able to rest calmly.
“Banjo” was subsequently given to the dog. In his case, he has only two ears, which is a dog trait. He was also two weeks post-surgery.
Banjo has undergone a significant transformation!
Banjo’s presence two weeks later thrilled the audience. When Banjo was discovered, he was absolutely scared and shaking.
He is now going around and playing with other dogs and people.
The puppy’s mischievous side is also coming to life. Nobody who discovered him realized he was such a fun and attractive dog at the time.
Some people may ask if it’s okay for a dog to be deaf in one ear. In the case of Banjo, though, he seemed indifferent about losing one of his ears.
I hope Banjo, who has made a moving change, will continue to live happily.
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