It is quite shocking to open your mouth in the morning, to brush your teeth, and to find that your tongue is covered with a white sheen. This happens when the taste buds swell, trapping dead cells, bacteria and debris. While it is quite a disgusting phenomenon, it is not a serious problem and should resolve itself over time. There are a few simple methods to clean the tongue faster and check that the presence of this patina is not a symptom of a much more serious pathology.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: When to See Your Doctor
Step 1. Call your doctor or dentist if you have any symptoms other than a white tongue, as they may be a sign of a more serious illness
Here's what to monitor:
- Pain in the tongue;
- Dehydration;
- Fever;
- The white patina does not disappear even after several weeks of treatment.
Step 2. Learn to distinguish the white tongue from the geographic tongue
Typically, neither situation is a serious condition.
- The geographic tongue, also called benign migratory glossitis, is caused by a series of flat lesions that give the impression that in some areas of the tongue the taste buds have "worn out".
- Foods with strong flavors (spicy, sour or salty) can cause pain and this phenomenon.
Step 3. Recognize thrush
This is a candida infection that most often causes white tongue. Many people get it after antibiotic therapy.
- This condition is also accompanied by a burning sensation on the tongue and the skin at the corners of the mouth can tear causing pain.
- Thrush is effectively treated with antifungal drugs which can be in the form of mouthwashes or tablets. Remember to follow the therapy for as long as indicated by the doctor.
- Take probiotic supplements or eat yogurt that contains them to restore the correct balance of the bacterial flora in the mouth.
- Use spices that have antifungal properties. These include garlic, oregano, cinnamon, sage and cloves.
- Avoid foods rich in yeast such as dairy products (except yogurt), alcohol and sugars. Eat a healthy diet with lots of nuts, whole grains, and vitamin C foods.
Step 4. Learn about the serious diseases that white tongue can cause, but don't panic. In most cases this phenomenon is completely harmless and goes away on its own
However, if you think you have any more serious problems, see your doctor. The possible causes are too numerous and varied to carry out a self-diagnosis.
- Leukoplakia is a disorder in which white spots appear on the tongue caused by excessive production of cells and proteins. It is generally not a dangerous condition, but it should be monitored by your doctor to make sure it is not cancerous.
- Oral lichen planus is a disease of immune origin that can be accompanied by pain or a burning sensation.
- Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that, as it progresses, causes a white coating on the tongue. If you think you have been exposed to syphilis, go to the doctor immediately, as it is a disease treatable with penicillin.
- Cancer of the mouth or tongue can cause white tongue.
- HIV and full-blown AIDS are possible causes of this disorder.
Method 2 of 3: Lifestyle Changes
Step 1. Avoid dehydration
This phenomenon, in combination with dry mouth, causes the white tongue phenomenon. If you always stay properly hydrated, you can avoid it.
- The daily water requirement varies for each person based on their body weight, level of physical activity and the climate in which they live. Try to drink regularly; when you feel the urge to thirst, it means that you are dehydrated.
- Check for other signs of fluid deficiency, such as infrequent urination, dark urine, fatigue, and headache.
Step 2. Stop smoking
Smoking helps inflame the taste buds by increasing the chance of food debris and dead cells being trapped in them. All this transforms the tongue into an environment conducive to bacterial proliferation.
The smoke also contains chemical compounds that are toxic to the tissues of the oral cavity
Step 3. Reduce your alcohol consumption
If you drink too much, it irritates and inflames the taste buds of the tongue.
Drinking alcohol also puts you at risk of dehydration, another cause of the white film
Step 4. Improve your oral hygiene
This will reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
- Brush your teeth and tongue immediately after each meal.
- Brush them even before going to bed;
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash every day.
Method 3 of 3: Remove the White Patina
Step 1. Brush your tongue with the toothbrush
This removes dead cells, bacteria and debris that are trapped between the taste buds and the ridges of the tongue.
- You can do this with or without toothpaste, although toothpaste allows you to have fresh breath as well.
- Do not rub too hard so as not to irritate the tongue. Remember that the whole operation shouldn't be painful!
Step 2. Gently scrape your tongue with a tongue tool
Some toothbrushes come with a tongue scraper on the back.
- Clean your tongue thoroughly, but gently, working from the back to the tip. But don't go deep enough to cause you to gag.
- If you feel pain, it means that you are pressing too hard. You must not create any open wounds or wounds that could expose you to an infection.
Step 3. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water
By doing this, you expel residues, bacteria and dead cells.
Dry mouth can also cause white tongue phenomenon, and a rinse can help you get rid of it
Step 4. Disinfect your mouth with a strong antiseptic mouthwash or saline solution
While these products don't taste good, they are capable of killing bacteria that grow on the tongue.
- To make a saline solution, dissolve ¼ or ½ teaspoon of salt in 240ml of warm water.
- If you want to get better results, you can keep the mouthwash or saline solution in your mouth for two minutes by moving it constantly. Remember that more aggressive products may burn a little.
- Tilt your head back and gargle for a minute. Spit out the solution and don't swallow it. This kills bacteria that have lodged in the back of your throat that you can't reach with a scraper or toothbrush.
Step 5. Rub your tongue with a natural remedy
While not a scientifically proven method, there is anecdotal evidence of its effectiveness.
- Make a paste of lemon juice and turmeric, then rub it on your tongue with a toothbrush. Turmeric has antibacterial properties, while lemon juice helps dissolve dead skin cells and kills bacteria.
- Make a thick mixture of baking soda and lemon juice to rub on your tongue. Baking soda works as an exfoliant.
