🤒If your tongue is white, this is a clear sign that you are suffering from…see more

A white tongue can indicate various health issues, from harmless to serious conditions. It often appears as white patches or a coating due to debris, bacteria, and dead cells. Common causes include:

– **Oral Thrush**: A fungal infection causing creamy white patches, common in people with weakened immune systems or after antibiotic use.
– **Dehydration/Dry Mouth**: Lack of hydration leads to dry mouth, allowing bacteria and cells to accumulate.
– **Poor Oral Hygiene**: Not brushing the tongue can lead to a buildup of food, bacteria, and dead cells.
– **Leukoplakia**: White patches caused by irritation (smoking, alcohol) that may be precancerous.
– **Geographic Tongue**: Harmless, changing white-bordered patches.
– **Lichen Planus**: Chronic inflammation causing white, lacy patches.
– **Syphilis**: White patches in the secondary stage, requiring antibiotics.

See a doctor if the white coating persists for over two weeks, causes pain, or if you have a weakened immune system. Treatment includes good oral hygiene, hydration, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and regular dental visits.