What does a white coated tongue indicate?
White tongue is the result of an overgrowth and swelling of the fingerlike projections (papillae) on the surface of your tongue. The appearance of a white coating is caused by debris, bacteria and dead cells getting lodged between the enlarged and sometimes inflamed papillae.
What foods cause white tongue?
Without it, leftovers remain on the tongue’s surface causing the tongue to look white.” An imbalanced diet can increase this discoloration. Foods high in refined sugars including candy, soda and sweetened coffee drinks alter the mouth’s acidity.
What deficiency causes white tongue?
A white coating on the tongue may be credited to a vitamin B deficiency. Vitamin B helps regulate your nervous system and a deficiency of it can result in anemia or even depression. There are also physical symptoms that can present themselves.
What kind of doctor treats problems with the tongue?
For tongue lesions such as changes in color, growths, or texture changes, an oral surgeon or an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist, also known as an ENT specialist) can evaluate the area, perform a biopsy, and follow up or refer for appropriate treatment such as surgery or medication.
What does thrush look like on tongue?
Thrush is characterized by a white coating or white patches on the tongue, mouth, inner cheeks, and back of the throat. The tissue under the white patches is often red, raw, and sore. The lesions can be painful and even bleed when scraped. Oral thrush often looks like cottage cheese or milk curds.
Can Liver Problems Cause white tongue?
Fuzzy white patches will form on and around your tongue. Jaundice, liver, or gallbladder diseases may cause yellowing of your tongue. People with Down Syndrome may also get scrotal tongue, a condition in which the tongue develops grooves down the middle.