What Causes White Tongue? – Dr.Berg on Oral Candidiasis
- Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing your teeth or tongue regularly can allow bacteria and food particles to build up in the mouth, which can create an environment for Candida to grow.
- Dehydration: Dry mouth can also lead to white tongue, as it can make it difficult to remove bacteria and food particles from the tongue.
- Medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics, can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the mouth and lead to white tongue.
- Underlying health conditions: People with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or cancer, are more likely to develop white tongue.
- Smoking: Smoking can also irritate the lining of the mouth and make it more susceptible to Candida infection.
In most cases, white tongue is not a serious condition and can be treated with home remedies, such as:
- Brushing your tongue: Brush your tongue gently with a toothbrush or tongue scraper to remove bacteria and food particles.
- Flossing: Flossing your teeth helps to remove food particles from between your teeth, which can also help to prevent white tongue.
- Drinking plenty of water: Staying hydrated helps to keep your mouth moist and prevents dry mouth.
- Avoiding smoking: Smoking can irritate the lining of your mouth and make it more susceptible to Candida infection.
If home remedies do not clear up white tongue, or if you have any other symptoms, such as pain or difficulty swallowing, you should see a dentist or doctor. They may prescribe an antifungal medication to clear up the infection.