If you have noticed your tongue to be an odd white or grey color instead of healthy pink color, chances are you need to visit your dentist. Most of the time the diagnosis is the same. A white or grey tongue is almost always caused by candida overgrowth in your mouth. This doesn’t always me that you will have all the symptoms like an active yeast infection (like chronic sinusitis or thrush). White tongues are quite common—, if you’re lucky enough to have a pink one now or then (or at least most of the time), you won’t experience a grey tongue. Here’s what causes you to have a discolored tongue:
A white tongue can be caused by many different things, but usually, it does not cause concern and is treatable.If your tongue is white, it can be caused by many different things. But don’t worry! In most cases, the white part on your tongue will disappear in a few days. Here are some common causes:
- Bacteria. The presence and growth of bacteria in your mouth contribute to the development of a white tongue. Any time there’s a change in your diet, stress, or medication use, this can lead to an increase in bacteria production and more frequent development of a white tongue. This is especially problematic for people with dry mouths (xerostomia). Fungus and other microorganisms that colonize the mouth can cause bad odor too. This may seem obvious, but it’s important to note that many people have these microorganisms in their mouths without experiencing any adverse effects. When they do cause problems for a person’s health, it’s usually a result of poor oral hygiene or genetics (your parents passed down weak immune systems). In some cases, even if you wash your hands obsessively after being exposed to someone else’s germs (e.g., shaking hands with someone who just coughed on you), there are still ways these organisms could get inside your body—via an open cut on your finger or even through cracks in between your teeth!
- Dryness. When we drink alcohol or eat spicy foods that cause dry mouth symptoms like burning sensation under the tongue, our senses become dulled so we may not notice how often our mouths are really dry until later on when they start getting sore or chapped because they haven’t been properly moisturized all day long while being exposed to harmful UV rays from sunlight exposure outside during summertime activities such as swimming at beachside resorts located close by oceanfront hotels where tourists vacation when visiting exotic lands abroad such as Thailand located far away near where elephants roam freely wild animals roaming freely across vast plains filled with beautiful flowers growing everywhere you look;
- Medications like antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen) can also cause white spots on the tongue due to allergic reactions; however this is uncommon since most people will notice itching before seeing any changes on their tongue itself
Treatment of a white tongue
If you have a white tongue, you should use a tongue scraper to remove the excess bacteria. This will help prevent your tongue from turning white again in the future. Here are some options to consider when trying to treat and reverse this condition:
- Brush your teeth regularly and floss at least once per day to keep them clean and healthy.
- Use mouthwash after brushing, to kill bacteria that remain in between your teeth and gums (this is another way to prevent it from turning white again).
- Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that are high in fiber. They can help keep your mouth healthy!
If none of these steps work for you or if they’re inconvenient (e.g., taking time out of your busy schedule), please contact us immediately so we may remedy this issue quickly before any lasting damage occurs!
Prevention of a white tongue
As mentioned before there are so many ways you can prevent a white tongue and get back to a normal pinkish-toned tongue color. Below we have listed a few options to steer you clear of experiencing this:
- Brush your teeth twice a day. Brushing your tongue will remove bacteria and food particles stuck to it.
- Floss daily if you have any dental work or braces, as these areas can trap food particles that lead to bad breath and cause a white tongue.
- Use a mouthwash at least once per day to kill germs in your mouth and freshen your breath after eating garlic or onions, which can give you bad breath for up to 24 hours after consumption.
- Schedule regular dental checkups with the dentist every six months or so (depending on how healthy your gums are). Dentists can detect cavities early on before they develop into larger problems like tooth decay, gum disease, or even oral cancer! This prevents many instances where people begin losing their sense of taste because they start developing an aversion towards foods in general due to their lack of ability to enjoy them anymore due to constant discomfort around certain flavors such as sweet ones which are usually eaten with dessert items at restaurants like ice creams etcetera…
A white tongue can be a scary thing to see, but it does not always cause concern. It’s usually just a sign that something needs to change in your diet or routine, and there are many ways to treat the condition at home. If possible, try to avoid using whitening toothpaste since these products may contain chemicals that could irritate your mouth even more than usual. Instead, try using a small amount of regular toothpaste and gently brush your tongue with it. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a cotton swab to gently rub the surface of your tongue from back to front to remove any visible buildup. If this doesn’t work, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible so they can determine what’s causing the problem and then help you treat it. Also avoid using mouthwash, as this can dry out your tongue even more and cause it to turn white. If you’re prone to getting a white tongue, try rinsing your mouth with water after eating acidic foods or drinking alcohol.
If you have a white tongue, it’s important to keep in mind that the condition isn’t serious and is usually nothing to worry about. The best course of action is to visit your dentist or doctor if you’re concerned about what may be causing it and how to treat it.
