﻿ White Tongue Causes

White Tongue Causes

White Tongue causes


A coated tongue isn’t a disease and isn’t usually a sign of anything serious. It’s usually only temporary.



  • you’re concerned about changes to the appearance of your tongue
  • your coated tongue persists for longer than two weeks

You can read on to learn more about the possible causes of a coated tongue, but don’t use this to diagnose yourself with a condition always leave that to your GP.


White Tongue Causes


Causes of papillae hypertrophy or inflammation include, for example:

  1. Poor oral hygiene
  2. Dry mouth
  3. Congenital heart disease in adults
  4. Smoking or other oral tobacco use
  5. Alcohol use
  6. Mouth breathing
  7. Low roughage diet  eating mostly soft or mashed foods
  8. Mechanical irritation from sharp tooth edges or dental appliances
  9. Fever

Examples of conditions associated with white patches or other discolorations of your tongue include:

  1. Use of certain medications, such as prolonged use of antibiotics that may bring on an oral yeast infection
  2. Oral thrush
  3. Geographic tongue
  4. Leukoplakia
  5. Oral lichen planus
  6. Mouth cancer
  7. Tongue cancer
  8. Syphilis


  • Oral thrush. Also known as candidiasis, oral thrush is a yeast infection that develops inside the mouth. The condition results in white patches that are often cottage cheese-like in consistency on the surfaces of the mouth and tongue. Oral thrush is most commonly seen in infants and the elderly, especially denture wearers, or in people with weakened immune systems. People with diabetes and people taking inhaled steroids for asthma or lung disease can also get thrush. Oral thrush is more likely to occur after the use of antibiotics, which may kill the “good” bacteria in the mouth. Eating plain yogurt with live and active cultures may help restore the proper fauna in your mouth. Additionally, medications may be used to combat the infection.
  • Oral lichen planus. If you have a network of raised white lines on your tongue that has a lace-like appearance, you may be suffering from orallichen planus. Doctors are often unable to determine the cause of this condition, which often resolves on its own. Practicing proper dental hygiene, avoiding tobacco, and limiting your intake of foods that cause irritation to your mouth may helpful.