9 Causes of White Tongue that Need to be Known, Recognize the Condition

Kapanlagi.com - If observed in more detail, sometimes you may notice that the tongue is slightly white and pale. This condition is often overlooked and becomes a problem that many people are unaware of. But do you know the causes of white tongue? This condition can indicate the presence of bacterial infections or food particles that are present on the tongue.

There are various reasons for the tongue to become white with different conditions. White tongue is a condition that causes the tongue to appear white, sometimes grayish, covering the entire area of the tongue. This condition shows that the tongue appears to be coated with an additional layer that appears with various causes. Starting from the entire surface of the tongue becoming white or just white spots and patches, this condition is often experienced.

Generally, white tongue is not something serious, but in some conditions it can be a sign of certain health disorders. This can be experienced because the papillae on the surface of the tongue, which are fine hairs on the surface of the tongue, contain food pathogens, bacteria, or dead cells.

Although often not a dangerous condition, the causes of white tongue need to be known as early as possible. This is done to prevent further risk levels if the white tongue condition does not disappear in a few times. The causes of white tongue that need to be known are summarized below. Here are the causes of white tongue that have been summarized by kapanlagi.com from various sources.

1. Dehydration

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The first cause of a white tongue can occur due to dehydration. Dehydration is a condition where the body lacks fluids due to certain causes. Among the causes of dehydration are several factors such as excessive sweating, diarrhea, exposure to hot temperatures, or experiencing fever.

Symptoms can appear when experiencing dehydration, including causing a white tongue. Dehydration can make the mouth dry, which also triggers a change in tongue color to white. Therefore, meeting the body's fluid needs is necessary to prevent certain health disorders, including a white tongue.

2. Dry Mouth

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The next cause of white tongue can occur due to dry mouth conditions. Dry mouth occurs due to disturbances in the salivary glands that do not produce enough saliva. Saliva functions to naturally clean the mouth and maintain its moisture. Dry mouth can be caused by several factors such as dehydration, side effects of drugs, or having a history of certain diseases.

White tongue becomes a symptom that can indicate dry mouth conditions. In addition, several symptoms of dry mouth can also appear such as bad breath, canker sores, or cracked lips.

3. Breathing Through the Mouth

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Breathing through the mouth, such as during sleep, can be a cause of white tongue. Breathing through the mouth can cause dry mouth, which is related to changes in tongue color. Breathing through the mouth can occur because during sleep, a person may not be aware of sleeping with an open mouth, which can trigger white tongue.

According to liputan6.com, breathing through the mouth can allow fungi and parasites to enter the mouth directly. As a result, these fungi can adhere to the surface of the tongue, causing it to turn white.

4. Not Cleaning the Tongue

The next cause of white tongue can be triggered by the habit of not cleaning the tongue. As previously known, the cause of white tongue can occur due to several factors including the presence of bacteria, fungi, or leftover food pathogens. If the tongue is not regularly cleaned when brushing teeth, then this condition can make the tongue remain white. Therefore, cleaning the tongue together with brushing teeth can be done to prevent the tongue from turning white.

5. Canker Sores

Related to dental and oral problems, canker sores are often experienced by some people due to certain causes. However, the main cause of canker sores can occur due to bacterial infection, namely candida yeast. In relation to the cause of white tongue, canker sores can trigger the occurrence of white spots on the tongue. This may cause the tongue to appear as if coated with a white layer.

To overcome it, several ways to treat canker sores can be done including gargling with a mixture of salt, consuming a healthy diet, or using canker sore medication according to doctor's instructions.

6. Oral Lichen Planus

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Oral lichen planus is a condition that occurs in the mouth and teeth. Where chronic inflammation occurs that affects the mouth. This can cause the appearance of thick white spots in the mouth or tongue as reported from medicalnewstoday.com.

Some symptoms can also appear along with white spots including pain in the cheek and gums. Consultation and examination can be considered to address the inflammation experienced.

7. Alcohol and Smoking Consumption

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The cause of white tongue can also be caused by excessive consumption of alcohol or smoking. As is known, the content of compounds in cigarettes and alcohol can both trigger various health problems including changes in white tongue color. As reported from medicalnewstoday.com, irritation from alcohol and tobacco smoke can cause white tongue.

This condition can also trigger the occurrence of leukoplakia, which is the appearance of thick white spots on the surface of the tongue or mouth. However, white spots caused by leukoplakia are known not to be a serious problem but require examination to determine the diagnosis of leukoplakia.

8. Syphilis

Syphilis is an infection caused by bacteria or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It can trigger various symptoms including the appearance of sores, rashes on the body, including white spots on the tongue. This condition requires further examination to obtain immediate treatment. Because untreated syphilis can trigger white tongue and even mouth sores. Usually, doctors will prescribe antibiotics to prevent bacterial infections.

9. Other Conditions

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In addition to some causes of white tongue as mentioned in the previous points, the occurrence of white tongue can also be caused by several other cases. Among other conditions related to white tongue include side effects of certain medications, mouth or tongue cancer, and tongue disorders such as geographic tongue. Although such occurrences are rare, prevention and examination can be considered to prevent further risks related to health problems that arise with white tongue as a sign.

10. How to Overcome White Tongue

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Several ways to overcome white tongue can be considered. Here are ways to overcome white tongue that need to be known:

- Limit and stop smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.

- Clean the tongue regularly to prevent white spots on the tongue and remove dirt on its surface.

- Consume probiotics to overcome white tongue.

- Meet the body's fluid needs.

- Further examination with a doctor to get the right treatment.

That's the 9 causes of white tongue that need to be known. Although not a serious illness, being aware of its condition needs to be done to prevent various specific health problems.

(kpl/nlw)