About

Among other organs of the body, the tongue is the one with the most purposes. It has to taste foods, work with lips and teeth to help a person talk, and help in food digestion. Like other organs, the tongue can also develop an illness. One of the illnesses is a coated tongue, which may necessitate you to go for a dental visit.

When to see a doctor or dentist for a coated tongue

The tongue may seem to be coated when debris, bacteria, and dead cells lodge between papillae to form a white layer. Apart from the off appearance it forms, this condition is generally harmless. In some cases, however, the coated tongue can be a sign of a severe illness.

It becomes necessary to visit your dentist if you are having discomfort or pain in your coated tongue. It is also crucial to visit your dentist if your tongue remains coated for more than a couple of weeks.

What are the causes of a coated tongue?

There can be various reasons for a coated tongue. The first and foremost reason is poor oral hygiene. Mouth breathing and dry mouth may also result in a coated tongue. Smoking and alcohol consumption can result in various health conditions, some of which may result in a coated tongue as a symptom. You may also develop a coating on your tongue if you are on an all-liquid diet for a long time. Fever and heart disease may also result in a coated tongue.

Sometimes, white patches or coating can be a sign of a severe health condition, such as oral thrust or leukoplakia. If you have these conditions, you are going to have to visit your dentist or doctor immediately.

Oral thrush

A mouth infection caused by the candida fungus is known as oral thrush. Small amounts of candida are always present in a healthy person’s mouth, digestive tract, and skin. Other microorganisms and bacteria work together to keep fungus under control. Imbalances caused by stress, illness, or medication can result in increased candida production.

The most noticeable symptom of oral thrush is the development of white lesions that look similar to cottage cheese. It is generally found on the tongue or inner cheeks. This problem can develop in anyone, but it is more common in toddlers, babies, and people with weakened immune systems.

 Leukoplakia

Production of an excessive amount of cells in the mouth may result in the development of white patches on the tongue. This condition is known as leukoplakia. This problem is more prevalent in people who use tobacco. This problem can also be a sign of cancer. Your dentist may be able to determine the reason for this condition in your mouth.

Leukoplakia generally goes away without any medical intervention, given that it was not a symptom of a severe illness in the body. You will need to visit your dentist or doctor if these patches last longer than a couple of weeks.

Treatment

The coating on the tongue usually appears as a result of poor oral hygiene, so you will need to make sure that you are taking good care of your teeth and gums. While brushing your teeth, make sure to brush your tongue. Using an antibacterial mouthwash may also help you prevent a coated tongue. You can speak to your doctor for more information.