“Why do I have a thick white coating on my tongue?”
I have a thick white coating on my tongue, and it's not really going away. Why do I have this?
15 Answers
It could be a fungal infection. See a dentist for a diagnosis and medications
It might be a fungal infection, candida, need to see your doctor for treatment.
This can be due to many things. In some instances it is an infection or bacterial invasion. In the strong majority of cases this is just a normal variation of anatomy. There is a time of "taste bud" on the top of your tongue called the filiform papilla. If these are long, which occurs naturally, they will appear as a white coating on your tongue. If you are concerned I would recommend visiting your dental professional to view your tongue and give you additional information at that time.
Unless you have had a recent round of antibiotics or are a heavy smoker, the most common cause is oral candida.
Coating on your tongue can be caused from several concerns. Bacteria, post nasal drip, mucous secretions, plaque from food that builds in the fissures of the tongue, immunity concerns, medications, smoking, and lack of healthy saliva. A thorough dental exam can help identify the cause, most of the time a tongue scraper which is found in the toothbrush aisle, is effective to clean the coating on your teeth.
Dr. Joe Ferraro
Dr. Joe Ferraro
Try brushing your tongue. Also tongue scrapers are available at pharmacies.
A thick, white coat is most likely a yeast infection, which is especially common after antibiotics, a cold, sinus infection, or other illness that would decrease your bodies defenses. Best treatment is an anti-fungal medication like nystatin.
The situation should be checked by your dentist and hygienist for the best treatment plan. Make sure you brush your tongue when you brush your teeth.
Although there are several possibilities, what you are seeing could very well be thrush, also known as candidiasis. This is a fungal infection that can spread and be pretty severe. The most common cause is taking antibiotics, especially if it's a long term course. Your physician or dentist can prescribe you an antifungal medication to address this, but ceasing the antibiotic is also necessary.
Could be due to a virus, systemic condition, dry mouth, or medication-induced.
Please see a dentist as soon as possible. This may be something completely innocent such as plaque sticking to your tongue or it could be something much more serious like oral cancer.
It may be oral candidiasis which can be caused by using an inhaler but you need to be seen by a dentist or a physician for proper diagnosis.
High-carbohydrate diet gives a very white film on the tongue. Try eating more fruits and vegetables. They naturally scrape the coatings on the tongue, and reduce your carbohydrate intake.
This could be molasses which is patchy white lesions on the pallet top of the tongue which are painful and are best treated by medication and antifungal ointments. Be careful not to scrape these areas as they are irritable.
There can be many causes for a white coating on your tongue. The simplest is the presence of food & bacteria trapped in between inflamed & swollen tongue papillae. It is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. Therefore, brush your tongue with a soft tooth brush & use a tongue scraper. Drink more water or fluids & reduce alcohol consumption. If this does not remove or improve the white coating on your tongue, then make an appointment to see your dentist. They will rule out the various other possible causes of your while tongue. It might be something minor, but if it does not heal within 2 weeks of increased brushing & oral hygiene, then seek the advice of a dentist to be certain that it isn’t more serious & require medication. Examples of possible causes are:
1) An oral fungal infection such as Candida, requiring an anti-fungal medicine
2) Oral leukoplakia
3) Lichen planus - may require a steroid spray
4) Oral injury
5) Syphilis - antibiotic such as penicillin if you aren’t allergic to it
6) Cancer
7) Many other oral problems
1) An oral fungal infection such as Candida, requiring an anti-fungal medicine
2) Oral leukoplakia
3) Lichen planus - may require a steroid spray
4) Oral injury
5) Syphilis - antibiotic such as penicillin if you aren’t allergic to it
6) Cancer
7) Many other oral problems
