Your Tongue Can Alert You to Health Problems

Sometimes, our tongue acquires new shades, and there is an explanation for this. It turns out that the unusual colour of this organ can warn us about certain problems in the body.

❗ 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. Sometimes, a yellow tongue is a sign of diabetes. Red tongue is a sign that the person lacks vitamin B. This is also how the tongue turns red in allergies.

Why the tongue becomes white

Geographic tongue

Geographic tongue is 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.

White plaque or white spots on the tongue can appear for several reasons.

• Oral candidiasis is a fungal infection that develops in the mouth. In this case, white spots appear on the tongue, often having the consistency of cottage cheese. Most often, this disease occurs in infants, the elderly, and people with a weak immune system. Sometimes, such thrush begins after a course of antibiotics.
• Leukoplakia. With this disease, the cells of the oral cavity are strongly overgrown, which provokes the formation of white spots on the tongue and in the mouth. Leukoplakia often develops in people who use tobacco products.
• Red flat lichen looks like a lace of a network of bulging white lines on the tongue. The exact causes of this disease are not known.

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

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

Changes in the colour of your tongue can be completely harmless or, on the contrary, dangerous. For example, after drinking a glass of cherry juice, you may notice that your tongue has turned red. This is completely natural and goes away quickly.

If the change in the colour of your tongue persists for several days, see a specialist.

It turns out that our nails can also change their colour and alert us to health problems.