Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: When to see a doctor
• Method 2 of 3: Change your lifestyle
• Method 3 of 3: How to remove white plaque

A white coating on the tongue can be an unpleasant sight. It occurs when receptors on the tongue swell and “capture” dead cells, bacteria, and food debris. It looks unpleasant, but over time, the white bloom disappears. Here are some simple methods to help you clear this plaque faster and check if it is a symptom of a serious medical condition.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: When to see a doctor

1. 1 See your doctor or dentist if you have other symptoms of a white tongue coating. Other such symptoms that indicate the presence of serious medical conditions may include:
   • pain in the tongue;
   • dehydration;
   • heat;
   • if the white bloom does not go away within a few days.
2. 2 Know how plaque differs from desquamative glossitis. Usually, none of these symptoms are serious.
   • Desquamative glossitis manifests itself as follows: first, a plaque appears on the tongue, then it swells and exfoliates, as a result of which reddish spots remain on the surface of the tongue.
   • Foods that are intensely flavored (very spicy, sour, or salty) can cause pain.
3. 3 Watch for signs of stomatitis. Stomatitis is a fungal infection that often causes white plaque on the tongue. Stomatitis often develops after taking antibiotics.
   • You may also feel a burning sensation on your tongue, and the skin at the corners of your mouth may crack, causing pain.
   • Stomatitis is effectively treated with antifungal medications in the form of pills or mouthwashes. Be sure to complete the full course of treatment prescribed by your doctor.
   • Taking probiotic supplements or consuming yogurt with prebiotics can balance the flora in the mouth.
   • Use spices with antifungal properties such as garlic, oregano, cinnamon, sage, and cloves.
   • Avoid foods that can contribute to infection, such as dairy products (other than yogurt), alcohol, and sugar. Eat a healthy diet and try to eat more nuts, whole grains, and vitamin C-rich foods.
4. 4 Know what serious illnesses can be accompanied by a white coating on the tongue. In most cases, the appearance of white plaque on the tongue is not something serious - the plaque goes away on its own. However, if you think that it may indicate some serious illness, see your doctor. There can be many reasons for plaque; diagnostics are indispensable here.
   • Leukoplakia is a condition in which white spots appear on the tongue due to overproduction of cells and proteins. Usually this disease is not dangerous, but it is still recommended to see a doctor to make sure that it is not cancerous.
   • Lichen planus of the mouth is an immune disorder that can cause pain and a burning sensation.
   • Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease, can also cause white plaque on the tongue. If you think you may have contracted syphilis, see your doctor as soon as possible. Syphilis can be cured with penicillin.
   • Cancer of the mouth or tongue.
   • HIV AIDS.

Method 2 of 3: Change your lifestyle

1. 1 Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration and dry mouth can also cause white deposits on the tongue. In such cases, you can deal with white bloom by drinking enough water.
   • The amount of water you should drink daily depends on your weight, physical activity level, and the climate in which you live. Remember to drink regularly. If you feel thirsty, it means that your body is dehydrated.
   • Watch for signs of dehydration, including infrequent urination, dark urine, excessive fatigue, or headaches.
2. 2 Quit smoking. Smoking can inflame the receptors in the tongue, causing food debris and dead cells to get stuck between them, which is an excellent medium for bacteria to grow and reproduce.
   • Cigarette smoke also contains chemicals that are harmful to the tissues in the mouth.
3. 3 Reduce your alcohol intake. Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to tongue inflammation.
   • Drinking alcohol also leads to dehydration, which causes a white coating on the tongue.
4. 4 Monitor your oral hygiene. This will help reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth.
   • Brush your teeth and tongue after every meal.
   • Brush your teeth and tongue before bed.
   • Rinse your mouth with mouthwash daily.

Method 3 of 3: How to remove white plaque

1. 1 Brush your tongue with a toothbrush. This is necessary to remove dead cells, bacteria, and foreign matter that might get stuck between receptors on the tongue.
   • You can do this with or without toothpaste, but brushing your tongue with toothpaste freshens your breath better.
   • Do not rub too hard to avoid irritating your tongue. Brushing your tongue doesn't have to be painful!
2. 2 Scrub your tongue gently with a tongue scraper. Some toothbrushes have special scrapers on the back of the handle.
   • Carefully but gently run the scraper over the tongue back and forth (from the inside out). Do not push the scraper too far to avoid gagging.
   • If it hurts, you are pressing too hard on the scraper. Do not apply too much pressure on your tongue to avoid injuring your tongue and causing an infection.
3. 3 Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. This is necessary to wash away food debris, bacteria and dead cells from all parts of the mouth.
   • A white coating on the tongue can appear when the mouth is dry, so in such cases, rinsing your mouth can help remove the white coating.
4. 4 Disinfect your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash or saline solution. And although these liquids are often not very pleasant to the taste, they are excellent at destroying bacteria that multiply in the mouth.
   • To prepare the saline solution, dissolve 1 / 4-1 / 2 (1.25-2.5 g) teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
   • For best results, keep the mouthwash or salt solution in your mouth for 2 minutes. Strong antiseptics can burn slightly.
   • Tilt your head back and gargle for about 1 minute, then spit out the liquid without swallowing it. This will help kill bacteria that can "sit" deep in your throat, in areas that cannot be cleaned with a scraper or toothbrush.
5. 5 Apply natural antiseptics to your tongue. Although the effectiveness of this method has not been scientifically proven, it can help.
   • Make a paste of lemon juice and turmeric powder and use your toothbrush to rub the mixture into your tongue. Turmeric has antibacterial properties, and lemon juice helps remove dead tissue particles and kill bacteria.
   • Make a paste of baking soda and lemon juice and rub it onto your tongue. The baking soda will help exfoliate dead cells on your tongue.