Do you have a white tongue? Know why?

by admin | June 25, 2022 2:44 am

The tongue is a fascinating organ with the pink, top layer made up of hundreds of tiny, finger-like projections called papillae. These papillae contain sensory receptors for taste and temperature. Sometimes, these papillae get enlarged and inflamed. Then debris, bacteria and dead-cells get lodged between them causing the condition called White tongue.

White tongue is a condition in which the tongue appears discolored, with or without patches, and is a sign of an underlying condition. Although the condition is rare, one may experience it at-least once in a lifetime. While the symptom itself may not be serious and may go away with treatment, it’s important to understand the underlying condition and treat that first. These underlying causes may be minor, or potentially dangerous conditions.

Symptoms of ‘White tongue’

So what are the different ways in which White tongue manifests itself?

• White patches: Mouth fungus which is the underlying cause can cause white patches that may appear like lacework.  The whiteness can cover the entire tongue or only the back of the tongue. The whiteness may appear as patches, specks, or bumps.
• Hairy tongue: In this, the enlarged papillae appear like hairs, giving the tongue a hairy look.
• Geographic tongue: In this, there are reddish patches surrounded by a white fringe, that appear like islands on a map, hence the name.

Underlying causes

White tongue causes bad breath and leaves a funny taste in the mouth. If left untreated, it can affect gum health and cause gum disease. Causes include:

• Tongue Injury: This is the most common cause of the condition. Accidentally biting the tongue, or burning it while consuming hot foods and beverages, use of dentures, piercing the tongue, sharp teeth that accidentally scrape the tongue while eating, hard and sharp food pieces (like nuts) are some of the most common causes. The immediate reaction to this eventuality is the white patch. While the tongue is healing or recovering slowly, geographic tongue is one of the symptoms.
• Leukoplakia: In this condition, thick, white patches appear on the tongue. The condition can be fairly serious. There are 2 types of leukoplakia – epithelial atypia or epithelial dysplasia and the doctor may have to do a biopsy to determine the type. If the condition cannot be treated by lifestyle changes, the doctors may consider incisional and minimally-invasive procedures to remove this tissue.
• Oral lichen planus: This is basically an inflammation of the tongue and/or the inside of the mouth. This is not caused by any pathogenic infection or lifestyle habit, so the precise reason is not known. The condition causes white, lace-like patterns on the tongue or painful lesions. Medication and lifestyle changes help cure the condition over time.
• Oral candidiasis / Oral thrush: this is a fungal infection of the tongue and inside of the mouth like the inner cheeks, and manifests as creamy, white, lace-like patterns. It is caused by a yeast-like fungus called Candida albicans. This fungus is naturally present in our mouth at all times and does not cause much harm. However, for people with compromised immune systems and those suffering from HIV/AIDS, diabetes and cancer[2], people who smoke or chew tobacco, people with dry mouths and those who wear dentures, the fungus causes this condition.
• Syphilis: As one may be aware, Syphilis is a sexually-transmitted disease. It presents a range of symptoms, one of which is white patches or lesions on the tongue, lips and inside roof of the mouth. If left untreated, syphilis can cause more complications over time.

• Oral cancer: One of the symptoms of oral cancer is white patches on the tongue. There are several risk-factors for oral cancer. Smoking, chewing tobacco and alcohol consumption in excess, a family history of oral cancer and HPV (human papilloma virus) infection are some of the risk factors.
• Mild dehydration and illnesses: When a person is frequently dehydrated, one of the symptoms is dry mouth and white patches on the tongue. During illness, the person tends to speak less and consume food and beverage lesser than when normal. These conditions can also cause dry mouth and white patches.

Diagnosis and Treatment for White Tongue

There are various tests and examinations that are done by the doctor to pinpoint the underlying cause, or causes. Once diagnosed, there are multiple options for treatment depending on what is the underlying cause. Home remedies and lifestyle changes may help control the symptoms but it is important to treat the underlying condition and not resort to self-medication.

Outlook

In the initial days of the condition, most patients tend to ignore the condition. However, if and when talking, eating and drinking become painful, it’s important to meet a doctor at the earliest.

If you or any of your dear ones are showing symptoms of white tongue, do not panic. Consult a reputed hospital. Qualified doctors[4] there will diagnose the cause precisely and choose the best course of treatment for quick recovery and rehabilitation.

Reviewed by Dr Suresh S Venkita, Group Medical Director, Kauvery Hospitals

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801

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