White Tongue Description
White Tongue is an oral condition that appears as a whitening of the top layer of the tongue or white spots or patches on the back of the tongue. The appearance of White Tongue could indicate several different underlying medical conditions. In some cases, the symptoms may become serious enough to require treatment prescribed by your dentist or oral specialist.
Bacterial Buildup
Some cases of White Tongue are due to the build-up of food debris on the back of the tongue, which provides a substrate for anaerobic bacteria associated with bad breath. These bacteria give off volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) as a byproduct, which can cause halitosis. Treatment options for VSC control include:
— Using a tongue scraper to remove the food debris and bacterial colonies from the back of the tongue.
— Using a prescription mouth rinse containing chlorhexidine or other oral antiseptics. These types of mouth rinses require a prescription from your dentist or oral specialist.
— Using a proprietary non-prescription mouth rinse, such as TheraBreath, which creates aerobic conditions inside the mouth to counter the VSC-causing anaerobic bacteria.
Dry Mouth
If the mouth becomes excessively dry you can develop white patches on the tongue. These spots are not dangerous, but simply signal that your body is experiencing dehydration. The cure is to rehydrate by consuming fluids.
Geographic tongue
Geographic tongue is characterized by discolored regions of the taste buds or sometimes even cracks in the surface of the tongue. This condition can result in growths on the tongue, which will appear white and flaky-similar to the skin patches that appear on sufferers of eczema. Some doctors believe these white spots are an oral version of psoriasis, while others attribute them to allergic reactions or stress.
Thrush
In some cases, the presence of creamy white, slightly raised lesions on the tongue signifies the presence of Thrush, which is caused by an infection of Candida sp. Thrush lesions can also appear on the gums, inner cheeks, and the back of the throat. Thrush lesions have a "cottage cheese" appearance and can be painful. The lesions may also bleed slightly when scraped against. Your dentist or oral specialist can diagnose Thrush and prescribe a treatment plan to help get rid of the problem.
Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia is a white or gray patch that develops on the tongue or the inside of the cheek and is a reaction to the chronic irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth. Developing slowly over weeks to months, the patch is usually thick, slightly raised, and may eventually take on a hardened and rough texture. Leukoplakia is painless, but maybe sensitive to touch, heat, spicy foods, or other irritation.
Causes of Leukoplakia may include:
1) irritation from rough teeth, fillings, or crowns.
2) chronic smoking.
3) sun exposure to the lips.
4) HIV or AIDS. Treatment involves removing the source of irritation. Leukoplakia is usually harmless, and the lesions it causes usually clear in a few weeks-months after the source of irritation is removed. If eliminating the source of irritation is ineffective in reducing the lesion, it may need to be surgically removed by either your dentist or an oral surgeon.
Oral Lichen Planus
Oral Lichen Planus appears as a network of raised white lines on the tongue, which has a lace-like appearance. Doctors are often unable to determine the cause of this condition, which usually eventually resolves itself. Practicing good dental hygiene, avoiding tobacco use, and limiting the consumption of foods that irritate the mouth may help prevent/treat this disorder.
Oral cancers
Some oral cancers can manifest themselves as white spots within the mouth. These spots can occur on the tongue, or the gums or the back of the throat. Tobacco and heavy alcohol users have an increased risk of developing these kinds of sores. Men develop oral cancers more frequently than women.
In Summary
White Tongue can signify simple, non-serious conditions, such as dry mouth, or bacterial buildup, or it can be something more serious, such as Thrush or oral cancer. If your condition persists, or you think it might be one of the more serious oral diseases, you should consult with and be examined by your dental professional. Practicing good oral hygiene can help prevent many of the conditions leading to White Tongue from ever occurring in the first place.