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
Mom leaves “baby” in car while she shops at Target – promises others that he’s OK
These days, it seems as though you can hardly move in public without running the risk of being discovered online.
We have truly entered the era of viral tales and clips, where funny, awkward, and occasionally extremely personal movies and images of ourselves can be published and shared instantly over the internet.
Of course, this can be exploited, but it can also occasionally be used for good; consider the instances in which people are called out for wrongdoing.
I think that’s what people on the internet thought was going on when an Instagram picture went viral in early March, supposedly showing a message written by a mother who had left her infant in the car to go shopping at Target.
Sufficient to halt the heart, surely? There’s more to this story than meets the eye, so don’t worry.
Influencer Bonnie Engle posted a reel on Instagram back in March, and it quickly went viral. The video has received millions of views and over 1,000 comments since it was posted.
The aforementioned video features a close-up of a handwritten message that has been taped inside a car window and says, “My baby is OK.” He’s got his drink and his nibbles! I’m in Target right now. Return soon!
It goes without saying that for many of the people who watched the video, the note alone was enough to startle.
However, many who were willing to watch the film quickly realized that Engle is more of a mischievous spouse than a terrible mother. The camera pans back a few seconds after the previously described close-up on the message in the window, exposing that Engle’s baby in the car is actually her husband.
“Please no judgment,” is how the influencer captioned the Instagram video. He is secure and in good health.
Her spouse is spotted waiting inside the car while enjoying some popcorn.
Thankfully, viewers in the comments section found humor in Bonnie’s video.
One person wrote, “My heart dropped and then I LMAO.”
Another said, “Leaving them in the car is so much easier.”
“For a split second, I thought I was going to lose it… That surprised me, too,” a third person said.
View the video by clicking this link:
Many of Engels’ posts, according to reports, are lighthearted and ideal for mothers who can identify with the day-to-day challenges of motherhood.
What was your impression of Bonnie’s video? Use the comment section to share your opinions with us.
This video undoubtedly had a humorous component, but it’s crucial to constantly keep in mind that you should never leave kids—or dogs, for that matter—in heated cars.
Please share this post to assist us in spreading a crucial message and if you thought Bonnie’s short was humorous.
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