Why is there a green coating on the tongue? The causes of this pathological phenomenon will be discussed below. You will also learn how to get rid of such an unpleasant condition.
basic information
The color of the plaque in the tongue can tell about the presence of many problems in the human body. Indeed, it is not for nothing that the doctor very often asks for a doctor’s appointment to show him the tongue to confirm or refute the diagnosis. The color palette of such raids is quite extensive. Therefore, only an experienced specialist can identify the true cause of their education. By the way, at the same time, he often relies on other available symptoms.
Green plaque in the tongue: reasons
The substance that appears on the tongue plate can vary significantly, depending on the season, climatic and other conditions. But if such a phenomenon is pronounced and unnatural in nature, then, most likely, we are talking about the symptoms of a serious disease.
So why is there a green coating on the tongue? The causes of this condition may be as follows:
- thrush;
- non-observance of personal hygiene;
- vitamin deficiency and poor nutrition;
- pathological changes in the digestive tract;
- the use of a large number of fried, spicy and fatty foods that contribute to liver dysfunction;
- decreased immunity;
- taking antibiotics, against the background of which fungal flora is actively developing;
- bad habits;
- HIV infection;
- taking drugs that suppress the human immune system;
- change of season and climatic conditions;
- puberty in adolescents.
Who to contact?
About why the plaque in the tongue has changed in color, you should ask the therapist. Also, a dentist and a gastroenterologist can answer this question.
Symptoms
Now you know why there may be a green coating on the tongue. The causes of this unpleasant phenomenon were listed above. When identifying them, the doctor is obliged to turn his attention not only to the color scale of plaque, but also to its other features.
- Localization. The tongue can be covered with a green coating completely or in separate sections.
- Thickness distribution. In that case, if the layer is thin, this indicates only a nascent problem. With thick layering, we can talk about the chronic nature of the disease, as well as the occurrence of severe infection.
- The ease with which plaque separates from the surface of the tongue also indicates the characteristics of the existing disease. Soft and well removable layering is a variant of the norm, and also characterizes an easily occurring pathology. With a burdened disease, plaque becomes more dense and difficult to detach.
Also, during the examination of the patient, doctors identify the structure of the lesion. So, the substance that covers the tongue may be greasy or curdled, wet or dry. The presence of various injuries also plays an important role. Cracks in the tongue (the causes and treatment of this pathology are presented in this article) indicate serious problems with the digestive tract.
Color palette
As mentioned above, the cause of the lamination on the language plate is often determined by its color scheme.
- Yellow-green plaque in the language of small thickness can speak of a normal person. Also, this color may be associated with heat.
If the shade intensity increases markedly, the consistency of the substance and its thickness changes, then this indicates problems in the digestive tract. Pathological changes in the digestive system can be associated with diseases of the biliary tract, malfunctioning of the liver, bile ducts and more.
- White-green plaque. Such a layering indicates the normal functioning of the body. But if over time the plaque increases and begins to thicken, then this indicates problems with the intestines (for example, prolonged constipation).
If a dense whitish coating is observed against a background of high temperature and general signs of intoxication, then an infectious disease can be noted.
- Dark green color of the tongue. Such a non-standard color is quite rare. It manifests itself in people with severe pathology (for example, with impaired functioning of the bile ducts, pancreas, or gallbladder).
Also, the dark green color of the tongue can talk about dehydration of the human body, increased blood acidity and Crohn's disease.
- Gray-green plaque also indicates damage to the digestive system, especially the stomach and intestines. Such symptoms are often found in peptic ulcer disease.
Diagnostics
How to diagnose an existing disease and identify the cause of the development of green plaque and a crack in the tongue? The causes and treatment of such pathological conditions should be determined and prescribed only by a doctor. The latter is obliged to examine the patient, evaluate his general condition, and also pay special attention to the shade, density and size of pathological layers. Also, the doctor can prescribe general tests, an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and FGDS.
Treatment process
You can get rid of the green layer in the tongue only if the true reason for its occurrence has been established.
If during the medical examination no pathologies were detected, then most likely this problem arose due to improper or absent oral hygiene. In this case, the patient is recommended to carefully look after himself, constantly brush his teeth, tongue and gums, and rinse his mouth after each meal.
If the reason for the development of green stratification in the tongue lies in violations of the digestive tract, then you need to contact an experienced gastroenterologist. The same applies when observing cracks, wounds and sores in the oral mucosa.
With such pathologies, doctors very often prescribe antibacterial agents, as well as digestive enzymes.
If thrush and fungal diseases are detected, doctors recommend the use of antifungal medications.
With a decrease in the body's defenses, the patient is prescribed multivitamin complexes, dietary supplements, etc. Also, a diet with the consumption of a large amount of fresh vegetables and fruits may be recommended to the patient. In addition, it is necessary to abandon fried, spicy and spicy dishes that adversely affect the digestive system.
If green plaque on the tongue has arisen as a result of a bad habit, it is recommended to abandon smoking and alcohol abuse.
In the presence of other diseases, including HIV infection, special therapy and medical supervision are required.