There are many possible causes for white tongue, and in some cases, it comes with an unpleasant odor and mouth dryness. To get rid of it, sometimes you just need to brush your teeth. But what should you do if that doesn’t help?
❗ This article is for informative purposes only and can’t replace the advice of a specialist.
What white tongue is
The white film may cover the entire tongue, part of it, or appear as spots. At the same time, an unpleasant odor and taste in the mouth may appear. It looks as if there are small white hairs on the tongue’s surface. In fact, they are buds covered with organic particles, bacteria, and dead cells.
White plaque on the tongue (which can also be yellow) may appear for different reasons, like due to irritation or because of an infection. It usually disappears after several days. If the situation doesn’t change for several weeks, and it’s painful to eat and talk, it’s best to see a doctor.
It’s important to note that the plaque may not only be white. While a pink tongue is normal, a brown tongue means the person drinks too much coffee or tea. A yellow tongue means there’s something wrong with the liver, and a red tongue is a sign that the person lacks vitamin B.
Why the tongue becomes white
Usually, the tongue becomes white due to bacteria, leftover bits of food, or dead cells that get stuck in between the buds. Because of this, the buds may increase in size or become inflamed. This is how white spots on the tongue’s surface appear.
Sometimes, the plaque appears due to an illness. For example, the geographic tongue is also a condition where white spots appear on the tongue. It’s quite rare, and the causes are unknown, but the condition itself is often connected to eating foods that irritate the tongue. It may also be a reaction to stress, an illness, or hormonal changes.
Why white plaque appears on the tongue
There are some things that make the appearance of white plaque on the tongue more probable:
- Age
- Taking antibiotics (white-yellow plaque appearing when there’s a fungal infection in the mouth)
- A diet that’s lacking enough fruits, vegetables, vitamin B12, and iron
- A weak immune system
- Bad mouth hygiene
- Dental prosthetics or other objects that can damage the tongue
- Dehydration and mouth dryness
What piercings have to do with white tongue
Right after piercing the tongue, there might be some white film present. This happens because the number of bacteria on the tongue increases, and it’s normal. Antibacterial mouthwash will help you get rid of it. Plus, there might be a ring around the piercings, which is normal too, and it means the tissue is healing.
If the plaque appears due to an injury (including piercings), the healing should take around 1.5 weeks. You should avoid irritants, such as hot, spicy, or sour foods and drinks.
How to get rid of white tongue at home
- Practice good mouth hygiene.
- Drink enough water.
- Brush your teeth using a soft toothbrush.
- Use a mild fluoride toothpaste — one that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Use fluoride mouthwash.
- Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to remove the white coating.
- Drink cold drinks through a straw.
- Avoid food and drinks that are spicy, salty, acidic, or very hot in temperature.
Who to talk to if you’re worried about your white tongue
- Your dentist can help you remove the white film from the tongue and prescribe medications if needed.
- Your GP can diagnose the tongue, prescribe you certain medications and determine if the white tongue is an indicator of a more serious issue.
What do you do about white tongue?
Preview photo credit Genusfotografen (genusfotografen.se) & Wikimedia Sverige (wikimedia.se) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, Martanopue / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
15 years after divorce, Tom Cruise, 61, has ‘made things official’ with new girlfriend – and you might recognize her
Reports indicate that Tom Cruise, who separated from Katie Holmes 15 years ago, may have discovered true love once more. Elsina Khayrova, 36, and Cruise are reportedly developing a serious relationship.
After they were spotted together at a party in Mayfair, London, late last year, we broke the story of reports that Cruise was smitten with his new Russian socialite lover. The two were reportedly “inseparable” at the time.
That came when Cruise’s name was mentioned alongside recent divorcee Shakira, a pop sensation from Columbia, and later alongside co-star Hayley Atwell of Mission: Impossible. But neither rumor appeared to be very credible.
It’s time to put this rumors to bed once and for all, if the latest allegations about Cruise and Khayrova are to be believed. Insiders claim that the two are now formally dating.
“Elsina’s circle is aware that she and Tom are dating,” a source told the Daily Mail.
The insider continued, “Tom has been spending the night in Elsina’s apartment, which is a very lovely location, as you might imagine. Despite their riches, they love spending time together and engage in many of the same activities as other couples.
Nevertheless, the pair hasn’t been seen posing for pictures together, likely because they wish to keep their relationship quiet for the time being.
Khayrova, a former model with British citizenship, separated from her ex-husband, business magnate Dmitry Tsvetkov, in the previous year.
When she appeared in court in 2022 and was told to pay a large cost of £117,000 ($149,50) to a company that had placed fountains in one of her and her ex-spouse’s homes, her name made news.
According to the insider, Cruise has been staying at Khayrova’s $12 million apartment. “They’ve grown very close over the past few weeks but take a lot of care not to be photographed together because they want to maintain their privacy,” the person said.
In contrast, Cruise has been married three times: first to Mimi Rogers from 1987 to 1990 and then to Nicole Kidman from 1990 to 2001 for a total of eleven years.
The Scientologist and actor last wed Katie Holmes in 2006; they parted ways in 2012, and the actor hasn’t been together since.
The Daily Mail claims that Khayrova’s ex-husband sent a warning to Tom Cruise and anyone else who would later date his ex-partner.
“Anyone who knows her, whether it’s Tom Cruise or someone else, should know that she enjoys finer things in life and has opulent, expensive taste.” Tsvetkov advised Tom to keep his eyes and pocketbook wide open to the Mail.
“I’m glad for her and send my best wishes her way.”
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