As a rule, a white coating on the tongue indicates any violations in the functioning of the human body. In a relatively healthy person, the tongue has a pinkish tinge, sometimes with a small amount of pale plaque.
The tongue is a muscular organ, the surface of which is a mucous membrane. The reason for the appearance of a plaque of a certain shade (white, yellow, black, etc.) is considered to be bacteria that accumulate in the oral cavity when exposed to one or another factor.
Not always a white coating on the tongue indicates the presence of serious diseases of the internal organs. For example, in hot and dry seasons, plaque thickness is much greater than in the colder months. This is due to the fact that when weather conditions change, the intake of vitamins and microelements into the body is disrupted, which affects the appearance of the tongue. Such a plaque has a rather thin texture, therefore does not present a cause for concern. But if the layer thickness increases, it is necessary to carefully monitor changes in the body and, if possible, consult a specialist for advice.
The second reason when a white coating appears on the tongue is the presence of an infectious disease. Of course, depending on the amount and severity of the plaque, you can determine the course of the disease. For example, a thick layer indicates an active spread of infection, therefore, immediate treatment of plaque in the tongue is required.
Often, a white coating on the tongue is a sign of a malfunction of the intestine. As a rule, this occurs when the body is poisoned or when constipation occurs. The plaque structure is a dense white layer. Abundant coating of the oral cavity with a white coating (including the tongue and the inside of the cheeks) indicates a fungal disease, which is commonly called thrush. Very often, this disease occurs in infants with insufficiently careful processing of personal items (nipple, bottle, mother’s breast, dummy). That is, the bacteria of the fungus enter the baby’s mouth, resulting in their rapid multiplication and the formation of white plaque. Eliminating the cause and observing the rules of personal hygiene lead to effective treatment and getting rid of an unpleasant symptom.
If plaque is expressed as white spots, then this is a symptom of the inflammatory process in the oral cavity. The most common cause of mucosal irritation is prolonged smoking or candidal stomatitis. Of course, the lack of treatment can lead to the fact that the malignant process begins.
With the appearance of severe dry mouth, a sharp smell of ammonia and a thick layer of white plaque, it is necessary to examine the condition of the kidneys. This is because these are the most common symptoms of kidney failure, which are often accompanied by azotemia and uremia. A possible cause may be pancreatic disease.
There is also a plaque in case of abnormalities of the stomach. The main treatment is to limit your intake of oily and spicy foods. It is recommended to take activated charcoal, which neutralizes the negative effects of food on the walls of the stomach and digestive tract.
As a rule, a white coating in the throat or tongue disappears after eliminating the cause of its occurrence. First of all, it is necessary to carefully care for the oral cavity and teeth. When brushing your teeth, it is recommended not to forget about the surface of the tongue, on which there is a large number of bacteria that eat leftover food. By removing food particles, you get rid of harmful microbes, which are a source of unpleasant odor and the formation of white plaque.