Understanding the Causes of White Tongue Coating
White tongue coating, a thin white and moist layer on the back of the tongue, is composed of shed epithelial cells, saliva, bacteria, food debris, and exuded white blood cells. It can to some extent reflect the health status of the body. So, what causes white tongue coating? Let’s explore the reasons behind white tongue coating.
Causes of White Tongue Coating
- Normal Physiological Phenomenon: Under normal circumstances, the color of the tongue coating may appear white. This is because bacteria, food residues, and dead epithelial cells in the oral cavity can form a bacterial film on the tongue surface, causing the tongue coating to appear white.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Incorrect oral hygiene habits or incomplete oral cleaning may lead to the accumulation of bacteria and food residues on the tongue surface, forming white tongue coating.
- Oral Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections in the oral cavity, such as candidiasis (oral thrush), may cause the tongue coating to appear white, accompanied by symptoms such as oral discomfort, pain, or bad breath.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking or using other tobacco products may cause the tongue coating to turn white, accompanied by oral malodor.
- Dry Mouth: Dry mouth (xerostomia, dry cough, etc.) may lead to reduced saliva secretion, insufficient tongue surface moisture, and the tongue coating may appear white.
- Other Diseases: Some diseases or health problems, such as digestive system issues, immune system problems, oral inflammation, etc., may also cause changes in the color of the tongue coating.
Understanding the reasons behind white tongue coating is essential. If you experience white tongue coating, it is necessary to promptly identify the cause and take appropriate measures for treatment and adjustment to promote rapid improvement of the condition.
