Is your white tongue a matter of concern ?

by Dr Medha Gupta

Publication URL: https://www.boldsky.com/health/oral-care/is-your-white-tongue-a-matter-of-concern-141668.html

Link: https://www.boldsky.com/health/oral-care/is-your-white-tongue-a-matter-of-concern-141668.html

Is your white tongue a matter of concern ?

Introduction:

The tongue is the mightiest weapon in the mouth. It takes up a third of the oral cavity. In spite of that, it is highly underrated and receives no special care. It is a large mass of muscle that aids in speaking, eating, swallowing, and, most importantly, tasting the delectable treats. The tongue frequently undergoes texture and color changes that may indicate a specific underlying disease.

The following are some typical tongue pathologies and their observable changes:

1. Macroglossia-large tongue

2. A sore, shiny, and smooth midline red patch is known as median rhomboid glossitis.

3. Geographic tongue-glossy red patches are randomly arranged, and its raised whitish borders have a map-like appearance.

4. Fissured tongue-deep grooves with discoloration

5. White, slick lesions known as leukoplakia

6. Linea alba is a condition where the cheeks and sides of the tongue have thick white lines.

7. Lichen planus—white patches with reddish sore points and a net-like appearance.

8. Oral hairy leukoplakia-white hairy patches

9. Thick white or red growths or ulcers are indicative of squamous cell carcinoma.

10. Candidiasis-whitish patches of fungal growth

A lot of names! I understand. But did you notice a pattern among the majority?

The answer is a white lesion. Your tongue's white spot might be trying to tell you something.

The white tongue is most frequently brought on by:

1. The coated tongue can have varying concentrations of bacteria, food particles, dead skin cells, and different types of white blood cells from the surrounding tissues.

• The coating can have a thickness of a few to several millimeters.

• Typically, it is rough and whitish.

• It emits an unpleasant odor.

• Poor oral hygiene and ongoing digestive problems are frequent causes of the white coating.

1. Leukoplakia is a premalignant lesion that increases the risk of developing oral cancer. It can show up as a white tongue patch, in the cheeks, or on the gums.

• Chewing tobacco or betel nuts is the main cause of it.

• Dry mouth, a slight burning sensation, and chewing difficulties are its hallmarks.

1. Tongue canidiasis manifests as white deposits that resemble curdled milk. Deposits can be scrapped.

• It develops as a result of a condition that weakens your body's immunity.

• The condition can be easily treated with an oral course of anti-fungals and local ointment application.

1. Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that typically affects the mouth, head, and neck. It can manifest as white or red lesions, ulcers, growths, or non-healing extraction sockets.

• This type of oral cancer can be brought on by chewing tobacco, smoking, or lingering infections.

• The severity level determines the treatment strategy. Surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are recommended as needed.

Let's learn how to maintain a healthy tongue as a conclusion.

• Rinse your mouth thoroughly after every meal.

• Utilize tongue scrapers or cleaners by starting at the back of the tongue and working your way forward. Next, wash away the debris that has accumulated, and repeat several times.

• A few toothbrushes come equipped with a tongue cleaner on the back of the head.

• Oil pulling

• Rinses in a little warm water and salt.

• A balanced diet and enough water intake

• Stress reduction

References:

1. Danser MM, Gómez SM, Van der Weijden GA. Tongue coating and tongue brushing: a literature review. International journal of dental hygiene. 2003 Aug;1(3):151-8.

2. Webb JL, Burns RE, Brown HM, LeRoy BE, Kosarek CE. Squamous cell carcinoma. Compendium (Yardley, PA). 2009 Mar 1;31(3):E9-.