White language is a common phenomenon that can affect people of all ages. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of white tongue, its relationship with oral health and some practical tips to combat it and maintain a healthy mouth.
What is the white tongue
The white tongue is a condition in which the surface of the tongue acquires a whitish tone. It can be caused by an accumulation of bacteria, food waste, dry mouth, fungal or bacterial infections, tobacco, use of antibiotics or certain diseases.
Although it can be worrying, in most cases it is not serious and can be treated with better oral hygiene, gently brushing the tongue and maintaining good hydration, especially the months where the heat is more acute.
If it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a dentist. Keeping your tongue clean and healthy is an integral part of good oral health.
Tobacco and alcohol and white tongue
Tobacco and alcohol can be a big problem in the case of white tongue due to the following reasons:
- Damage to taste buds: Frequent use of tobacco and alcohol can damage the taste buds of the tongue, affecting the ability to perceive flavors correctly.
- Increased risk of infection: Tobacco weakens the immune system and alcohol can alter the balance of bacteria in the mouth. Both factors increase the risk of developing infections, including fungal infections such as oral thrush, which can cause a white tongue.
- Increased risk of oral diseases: Tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption are associated with an increased risk of developing oral diseases such as periodontal disease, tooth decay and bad breath, which can also contribute to the appearance of a white tongue.
Can the appearance of the white tongue cause poor nutrition?
Yes, poor nutrition can be one of the causes of white tongue. A diet deficient in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and proteins can affect oral health and contribute to the appearance of the white tongue.
Lack of nutrients can weaken the immune system and make the mouth more susceptible to infections, such as oral thrush, which can manifest with a white layer on the tongue. In addition, deficiency of certain vitamins, such as vitamin B12 and iron, can cause changes in the appearance of the tongue and contribute to its whitish coloration.
Poor diet can also promote excessive growth of bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to the formation of a white layer on the tongue.
How to fight white tongue
- Improve oral hygiene: Brush your tongue gently with a toothbrush or use a lingual cleaner to remove bacteria and debris.
- Maintain good hydration: Drink enough water to avoid dry mouth, which can contribute to the white tongue.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol use: These habits can worsen the condition of the tongue and contribute to the accumulation of bacteria.
- Consult your dentist: If the white tongue persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to seek the opinion of an oral health professional.
We help you fight the white tongue
At our dental clinic in Malaga, we have the best professionals to help you solve your problem with white language. Our team will provide you with how to maintain your daily oral hygiene as well as other useful tricks for everyday life. Want to know what else we can offer? Feel free to contact us.
Ortodoncista especializada en el sistema de ortodoncia invisible, extensa trayectoria profesional y un gran número de pacientes satisfechos con los resultados obtenidos tras la finalización de su tratamiento.