A coated tongue (also known as white tongue) is a symptom that causes your tongue to appear to have a white coating. This typically occurs when bacteria, food matter, and other dead cells accumulate on your tongue between its papillae (the features on the surface of your tongue that provide its distinctive texture).
Coated tongue occurs when the papillae of your tongue are raised or swollen, increasing their surface area and allowing debris to become trapped. You may see that your entire tongue is covered or only patches or sections of it. You may also notice an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
A coated tongue may be benign (harmless) from your lifestyle that could clear up with proper dental care or could be the symptom of a serious health condition. We'll discuss this in more detail below.
A coated or white tongue doesn’t refer to one underlying condition but is instead a symptom produced by many potential causes. No matter the cause of your coated tongue, improper dental care and poor diet will worsen your symptoms and increase your likelihood of developing other dental problems in the future.
Risk factors that may increase your likelihood of developing white tongue include:
Because a coated or white tongue is associated with a range of health issues, it can be difficult to diagnose on your own accurately. The appropriate white tongue treatment for your individual care will vary based on its severity and the underlying cause.
Regardless of the underlying cause of your coated tongue, there are some powerful steps you can take that may help prevent or treat it. These symptoms may sometimes resolve on their own if you practice proper dental care and consume a healthy, balanced diet. According to the Cleveland Clinic, you should see a dental or medical professional if this symptom doesn’t resolve after a few weeks.
Steps you can take to treat or prevent your coated tongue may include:
We recommend speaking with your dental or medical professional for their expert insight, especially because your coated tongue may indicate other health concerns that would benefit from your attention. You now boast a fantastic understanding of what exactly coated tongue is, what it's associated with, and how the power is in your hands to do something about it.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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