Usually, white tongue is harmless and temporary. If white tongue is the only symptom you notice, you may be safe to wait and see if it goes away. If your white tongue doesn't return to a normal color after a few weeks, see your provider or dentist.
The bottom line
A white tongue is common and usually nothing to worry about. It often gets better with some hydration and good oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth and tongue twice a day, and try to reduce the sugar in your diet.
White tongue is the result of an overgrowth and swelling of the fingerlike projections (papillae) on the surface of your tongue. The appearance of a white coating is caused by debris, bacteria and dead cells getting lodged between the enlarged and sometimes inflamed papillae.
White tongue is a coating of debris, bacteria and dead cells on your tongue that makes it look white. Although the appearance of white tongue may be alarming, the condition is usually harmless and temporary.
Make an appointment with your doctor or dentist if: You're concerned about changes in your tongue. Your tongue hurts. Your white tongue persists for longer than a few weeks.
For many people, placing a toothbrush or tongue scraper near the back of the tongue can trigger the gag reflex. In order to stop this, it may help to begin by placing the scraper or brush in the middle of the tongue the first few times you clean it.
Yet, if the tongue is more of a blue tone, this is associated with kidney disease. Vitamin and nutritional deficiencies may cause a tongue to appear pale. Yet, if the tongue is nearly white, the individual may be dehydrated, or he or she may have a fungal infection or influenza.
While a white tongue often indicates thrush, it can be a sign of another condition. Several oral conditions have similar symptoms to thrush, causing them to sometimes be mistaken for thrush.
A healthy tongue is pink in color. If your tongue color is white, yellow, orange, red, black, purple, gray, green or blue, it could mean you have an underlying health condition. If you have tongue discoloration that doesn't go away, tell your healthcare provider.
A healthy (or normal) tongue is pink and covered with small bumps known as papillae. The shade of pink can vary (provided it's not red), and the bumps should cover a good majority of the upper surface. These bumps are also on the underside of a tongue, but maybe less easy to spot.
A white tongue can result from a buildup of debris. Common reasons include a dry mouth, tobacco use, and not cleaning the tongue. But, it can sometimes result from inflammation or a fungal infection.
Hairy leukoplakia causes fuzzy, white patches that resemble folds or ridges, usually on the sides of your tongue. It's often mistaken for oral thrush, an infection marked by creamy white patches that can be wiped away, which is also common in people with a weakened immune system.
If the white coating or lesion on your tongue can't be wiped off, it's probably something else. The only way to tell for sure is to have a doctor swab the inside of your mouth and submit it for a growth culture. If you have a persistently dry mouth, you may be susceptible to thrush.
A pink tongue is healthy and normal. A red tongue may indicate heat in the body like a fever or a hormonal imbalance. A reddish purple tongue is a sign that there may be inflammation or an infection in the body. A pale pink tongue may be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, a weak immune system or a lack of energy.
When your tongue is so heavily coated that it results in the appearance of a white tongue, it's a warning sign that you're suffering from an overworked digestive system. If your digestive system is overburdened, it can't function properly. This leads to a buildup of a bacteria or yeast called candida.
Do you really need to clean your tongue using your toothbrush and toothpaste? You certainly do. Fluoride toothpaste can clean your tongue just as effectively as cleaning your teeth.
The yeast can form a white film or blotchy patches on top of the tongue. Your dentist can prescribe an antifungal medication to kill the yeast, and brushing the tongue daily will help prevent its return.
As with a tongue scraper, you should only brush as far back as the end of your tongue groove. Do not brush your tonsils on either side of your tongue.
Iron deficiency anemia or pernicious anemia – A pale (almost white), smooth tongue can be caused by a deficiency in iron or vitamin B12.
One of the easiest and most effective home remedies for the white tongue is a saltwater rinse. To do this, mix a tablespoon of salt with a cup of warm water and swish the solution around in your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Sometimes, white tongue that cannot be scraped off and doesn't go away after using antifungal treatments is the result of a more serious condition. A white tongue and sore throat may be symptoms of strep throat.