White Tongue Description White Tongue is an oral disease that appears as a whitening of the upper layer of the tongue, or white patches or spots on the back of the tongue. The appearance of the white tongue may suggest different underlying medical conditions. In some cases, the symptoms can be severe enough to require treatment prescribed by your dentist or oral specialist.
Bacterial deposits Some cases of White Tongue are due to the accumulation of food particles on the back of the tongue, which offers a substrate for anaerobic bacteria associated with bad breath. These bacteria give volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) and a by-product which can cause halitosis. Treatment options for VSC control are:
- With a tongue scraper to remove the food particles and bacterial colonies from the back of the tongue.
- With a prescription antiseptic mouthwash containing chlorhexidine or other oral. These types of mouthwashes require a prescription from your dentist or oral specialist.
- Using a proprietary non-prescription mouthwash such as TheraBreath, which creates aerobic conditions in the mouth to counteract the VSC-causing anaerobic bacteria.
Dry Mouth If the mouth dry excessively, you can develop white patches on the tongue. These spots are not dangerous, but simply indicate that your body is experiencing dehydration. The cure is rehydrate by consuming liquids.
Geographic tongue Geographic tongue by discolored regions of taste buds or sometimes even cracks in the surface of the tongue. This condition can result in growths on the tongue, which is also white and flaky like the spots on the skin that appear in patients with eczema. Some doctors believe that these white spots are an oral version of psoriasis, while others attribute them to an allergic reaction or stress.
Thrush In some cases, the presence of creamy white, slightly raised lesions on the tongue can mean the presence of thrush, which is caused by an infection of Candida sp. Throttle lesions may also appear on the gums, inner cheeks and the back of the neck. Thrush lesions have a "cottage cheese" appearance, and can be painful. The lesions can bleed easily when scraped against. Your dentist or oral thrush specialist can diagnose 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 response to chronic irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth. Develop 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 can be sensitive to touch, heat, spicy foods, or other irritation.
Causes of Leukoplakia may include: 1) irritation from rough teeth, fillings, crowns, or, 2) chronic smoking; 3) sunlight on the lips, or 4) HIV or AIDS. The treatment includes the removal of the source of the irritation. Leukoplakia is usually harmless, and the lesions it causes usually in a few weeks-months to clear the source of irritation is removed. When removing the source of irritation is ineffective in reducing lesion, it may need to be surgically removed either through your dentist or an oral surgeon.
Oral Lichen Planus Oral lichen planus appears as a network of raised white lines on the tongue, which have a lace-like appearance. Doctors are often not in a position to finally determine the cause of this disease, which usually resolves itself. Practicing good dental hygiene, avoiding tobacco use, and limiting the consumption of foods that cause irritation to the mouth may help prevent / treat this disorder.
Oral cancer Some oral cancers can manifest. Than white patches in the mouth These patches on the tongue or gums or the back of the neck occur. Tobacco and heavy alcohol users are at increased risk for developing this type of wounds. Men develop oral cancers more often than women.
In summary White tongue can mean simple, non-serious conditions, such as dry mouth or bacterial deposits, or it may be something more serious, its 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 examined by your dentist. Practicing good oral hygiene can help prevent many of the conditions that lead to white tongue do not arise in the first place....
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