Home remedies such as oil pulling, aloe vera gel application, and probiotic consumption can effectively address this condition, promoting oral health and fresh breath. White tongue, characterized by a white or yellowish coating on the tongue, is often caused by bacterial overgrowth, fungal infections, or poor oral hygiene.
You look in the mirror this morning, you stick out your tongue and find it very busy.
But what is this whitish film that is deposited there?
What is causing it and how to get rid of it?
If you too suffer from this problem, let’s see together how to try to solve it.
Understanding and treating white tongue
What is white tongue?
White tongue is a condition characterized by a white or yellowish coating that appears on the surface of the tongue.
This coating is typically caused by an overgrowth of bacteria, fungi, or dead cells that accumulate on the tongue’s papillae, the small projections that give the tongue its rough texture.
Symptoms of white tongue
The primary symptom of white tongue is the visible white or yellowish coating on the tongue.
This coating can range in thickness and may cover the entire tongue or appear in patches.
Other common symptoms include:
– Bad breath (halitosis)
– Altered taste perception
– Discomfort or a feeling of thickness in the mouth
– In some cases, the tongue may appear swollen or inflamed.
Causes of white tongue
There are several potential causes of white tongue, including:
1. Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning can lead to the buildup of bacteria, food particles, and dead cells on the tongue.
2. Dehydration and dry mouth: Reduced saliva production can contribute to the accumulation of debris on the tongue.
3. Certain medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs, can cause changes in the oral environment that lead to oral candidiasis.
4. Oral thrush: Also known as candidiasis, this fungal infection can cause a white, cottage cheese-like coating on the tongue.
5. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: These habits can irritate the tongue and contribute to the development of white tongue.
6. Underlying medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes, leukoplakia, and oral cancer can sometimes manifest with white tongue as a symptom.
Home remedies for white tongue
Oil pulling
Oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic practice, can help remove the buildup of bacteria, fungi, and debris on the tongue.
Swish a tablespoon of high-quality oil like coconut or sesame oil in the mouth for 15-20 minutes, then spit it out.
Do this as part of your daily oral hygiene routine.
Aloe Vera gel
Applying a small amount of natural aloe vera gel directly to the tongue can have a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect, helping to reduce irritation and promote healing.
Coconut oil
Making regular mouthwash with pure coconut oil allows you to benefit from its antibacterial properties (ad).
This will significantly aid in rebalancing bacteria, thereby deterring tongue colonization.
Take a tablespoon of coconut oil and hold it in your mouth for 5-20 minutes before spitting it out and rinsing it with fresh water.
Probiotics
Consuming probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or kefir can help restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the mouth, preventing the overgrowth of harmful microorganisms that can lead to oral candidiasis.
Turmeric paste
Making a paste with turmeric powder and lemon juice and gently scrubbing it onto the tongue can help remove the white coating due to turmeric’s antimicrobial properties.
Garlic
Eating raw garlic or taking a garlic supplement can be effective in treating oral thrush or fungal overgrowth, as garlic has potent antifungal properties.
Sea salt mouthwash
Rinsing the mouth with a warm saltwater solution can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the mouth.
The rough texture of sea salt can also help scrub away the white coating.
Mix the following:
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– a quarter teaspoon of salt
– 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice
Dip your toothbrush in this mixture then brush your tongue.
Baking soda scrub
Mixing baking soda with water to create a paste and gently brushing it onto the tongue can help neutralize acidity and promote healing.
It is ideal to fight mycosis of the tongue with regular mouthwashes (1 teaspoon for 100ml of water).
Lemon
Rich in vitamin C, lemon is protective and its acidity helps maintain oral PH.
It also has powerful antibacterial properties that will help you get rid of bacteria.
You can even mix lemon and baking soda to create a paste that you put on your toothbrush to scrape your tongue.
Tongue scraping
Using a specialized tongue scraper or even a clean spoon to gently scrape the surface of the tongue can help remove the white coating and debris.
Incorporating these natural remedies into your daily oral hygiene routine, along with maintaining good dental habits, can effectively treat and prevent white tongue.
Supplements for white tongue
Astragalus
Astragalus, an herb with immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects, may support the body’s natural ability to fight off the underlying causes of oral thrush (ad).
To solve a tongue problem, it is advisable to take a 6-month cure.
You will thus benefit from all its virtues and in particular its positive impact on stress.
Oregano oil
Oregano oil is certainly the most powerful natural antibiotic in the world.
It contains a compound called carvacrol and a certain rate of thymol which help eradicate bad bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, and treat infections.
It is recommended not to use the oregano essential oil for more than ten days.
Recommended dosage internally is 1 drop on half sugar 3 times a day with meals.
Combining probiotics with the oil of oregano can be a good idea.
Colloidal silver
Colloidal silver, a suspension of silver particles in liquid, has been shown to have antimicrobial effects that can potentially reduce the bacterial or fungal overgrowth contributing to the white coating on the tongue.
Prepare a mouthwash by diluting a tablespoon of colloidal silver 15ppm in equal parts of water (ad).
Use it for 5 minutes twice a day.
Probiotics
Probiotic supplements containing strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can help restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the mouth, preventing the overgrowth of harmful microbes that lead to white tongue.
You can choose between two main types of probiotic supplements to help address white tongue.
Standard probiotic supplements that support gut health can be beneficial, as they help restore the balance of beneficial bacteria.
Alternatively, you may opt for oral probiotics specifically formulated to target the mouth and oral microbiome.
These oral probiotic supplements typically contain strains like Lactobacillus and Streptococcus that can help fight inflammation, reduce cavities, and freshen breath (ad).
How to clean the tongue naturally?
Great news! Nine out of ten individuals can resolve this issue and the resulting bad breath by thoroughly cleaning and ensuring impeccable oral hygiene.
– Use interdental brushes to remove debris and plaque.
– Use a tongue scraper before brushing your teeth (ad).
– Brush your teeth 2-3 times a day. Choose a sonic electric toothbrush like this one (ad).
– Finish with a mouthwash of your choice for 60 seconds.
This routine of about ten minutes each day will save you many inconveniences such as troublesome bad breath or premature gum problems.
Candidosis white tongue
Candidosis, commonly known as thrush, is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a type of yeast naturally present in the body.
Candida Albicans is a species of Candida that is typically present in small amounts in the human body, particularly in the mouth, gut, and vagina.
In most cases, the body’s natural defenses keep Candida in check, preventing it from causing any issues.
However, certain factors can disrupt the balance of Candida and allow it to overgrow, leading to a fungal infection.
These factors may include:
– Antibiotic use: Antibiotics can kill off the beneficial bacteria that normally keep Candida in check, allowing it to proliferate.
– Corticosteroid use: Corticosteroids can suppress the immune system, making it harder for the body to control Candida growth.
– Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as during pregnancy or with the use of birth control pills, can contribute to Candida overgrowth.
– Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can create an environment that is favorable for Candida growth.
Maintaining a healthy balance of microorganisms through diet, hygiene, and addressing underlying health conditions is key.
Preventing the buildup of bacteria on your tongue?
Many individuals try to steer clear of fermented foods due to their lactic acid content, fearing that they may attract harmful bacteria alongside the beneficial ones.
However, the solution lies in supplying your body with beneficial bacteria and replenishing healthy flora.
Fermented foods offer an effective means to achieve this.
Incorporating fermented vegetables, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and cider vinegar into your diet can serve as excellent probiotics to address this issue.
How to get rid of white tongue permanently
While a white tongue can sometimes indicate untreated digestive disorders, it is commonly caused by inadequate oral hygiene or dehydration.
There are natural and simple tricks to minimize this problem.
There are also natural remedies that can help you get rid of it for good.
Related: How to Get Rid of Tonsil Stones at Home (11 Proven Methods)
White tongue FAQs
Why is my tongue white?
White tongue can occur due to various reasons such as oral hygiene issues, oral thrush (a fungal infection), dehydration, or irritation. It’s essential to identify the underlying cause for appropriate treatment.
Can a sick liver make my tongue white?
Yes, liver issues can sometimes lead to a white-coated tongue. Liver problems may cause changes in the body’s metabolism, leading to conditions like oral thrush or dehydration, which can manifest as a white tongue.
How can I get rid of my white tongue?
Improving oral hygiene by regularly brushing your teeth and tongue, staying hydrated, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and addressing any underlying health issues like oral thrush or liver problems can help in getting rid of a white tongue.
Which herbs can help with white tongue?
Certain herbs like thyme, peppermint, and oregano possess antimicrobial properties that can help combat oral thrush and maintain oral health. However, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using herbs for treating white tongue.
Does eating yogurt help with white tongue?
Yogurt containing live cultures of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, may help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the mouth, potentially reducing the risk of oral thrush and white tongue. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness specifically for white tongue.