4 Conditions Cause White Tongue

Healthy tongues are pink or pink, and are covered by nodules or small nodules called papillae. While the white tongue, can appear when the body lacks fluids or dry mouth, but can also be a sign of certain diseases. White tongue occurs because papillae on the surface of the tongue experience overgrowth and swelling. This white layer arises due to food debris, bacteria, and dead cells caught between the enlarged and inflamed papillae.

Various Causes of White Tongue

White tongue may look alarming, but usually harmless and temporary. However, white tongue can also be an indication of some serious conditions, ranging from infections to precancerous conditions. Here are some diseases of the tongue that make the tongue turn white:

• Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia is a condition in which white patches occur in the mouth, including on the tongue. This white spot may be due to too many cells and keratin proteins in the mouth. Although it does not hurt, the white spots can not be removed by brushing or scraping. Leukoplakia can occur when the tongue becomes irritated, more often found in smokers and those who consume a lot of alcoholic drinks. Leukoplakia is not dangerous, but sometimes can turn into cancer if left for years without treatment. Immediately consult a doctor if the white patches on the tongue do not disappear after two weeks.

• Oral thrush

Oral thrush, also called oral candidiasis, is caused by a buildup or growth of the fungus Candida albicans that is too fast. This fungus is a normal organism in the mouth. Oral thrush can cause a burning or sore sensation on the tongue, as well as white (sometimes red) plaques that are painful and can be scraped off. Candidiasis is more likely to occur in infants and parents, in people who have diabetes, often take antibiotics, lack iron or vitamin B, have a weak immune system, or wear dentures. Go to a doctor if you suffer from oral thrush, because this condition can last a long time and make the mouth feel uncomfortable.

• Oral lichen planus

Oral lichen planus is a long-term disorder of the immune system that causes white, white lines and white patches in the mouth and on the tongue. This condition can cause a burning or sore sensation, the mouth feels uncomfortable, red and painful gums, and plaque that causes pain. These symptoms may not appear in mild cases. Oral lichen planus can usually heal on its own, and the cause is often not known with certainty. Caring for dental and oral hygiene, limiting food intake that causes irritation in the mouth, and stopping smoking, is thought to help reduce the risk of oral lichen planus.

• Geographic tongue

Geographic tongue is a condition in which the papillae on the surface of the tongue disappear and look like a smooth red "island" with white edges. The cause is unknown, but this condition tends to be more common in adults or the elderly. It might have something to do with genetic factors, or certain conditions such as psoriasis and lichen planus. But this opinion still needs further research. Geographic tongue does not cause health problems and is not related to infection or cancer, but sometimes it can make the tongue feel uncomfortable and sensitive to certain substances.

White tongue is generally harmless, but you should still consult a dentist, especially if there is an alarming change in the tongue, the tongue feels painful, numbness, or the white tongue lasts for more than a few weeks.