What Is A Furry Tongue?
When your tongue turns white all over or in patches, it is referred to as a furry tongue. This condition is usually a common occurrence. Most often, chances are that your entire tongue is coated white or there are white patches/spots spread all over it. While there is nothing to worry about in case you have a furry tongue, sometimes, it could be hinting at an underlying infection or even early cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to keep an eye on such symptoms and reach out to your doctor if your tongue continues to remain white. Let us look at less severe conditions or factors that can cause this condition.
What Causes A White Tongue?
More often than not, a white tongue is usually caused due to poor oral hygiene. This can lead to tiny, inflamed, and swollen bumps (papillae) on your tongue. These bumps can trap microbes, food, dirt, and even dead cells. The collection of this debris in the papillae causes your tongue to turn furry or white. The causes of a white tongue include:
Dry mouth Dehydration Fever Leukoplakia – A common condition that occurs due to smoking and has the potential to develop into oral cancer in rare cases. Oral thrush – An oral infection caused by Candida(may cause symptoms like a white tongue with red spots). Oral lichen planus – A problem with your immune system that can cause white patches and sores to form in your tongue and mouth. Syphilis – A sexually transmitted condition that can even cause sores in your mouth. Tongue or mouth cancer
Risks Factors For White Tongue
Some lifestyle choices that may put you at a higher risk of developing a white tongue are:
Smoking and/or chewing tobacco Drinking too much alcohol Not brushing your teeth and flossing enough Mouth breathing Consuming excess of soft foods Irritation from the sharp edges of your teeth or dental instruments rubbing against your tongue Medications like antibiotics that can cause an oral yeast infection
If the only symptom you are exhibiting is a white tongue, there is nothing to worry. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, it is best to get in touch with your doctor immediately.
When To See A Doctor
You must seek medical intervention immediately if you develop any of the severe symptoms listed below:
A burning or painful sensation on your tongue Development of open sores in the mouth Trouble in chewing, swallowing, or even talking Appearance of skin rashes Weight loss Sudden onset of fever
If your only concern is the unexplained white patches on your tongue, you can give the following natural remedies a try to treat and prevent the condition.
How To Get Rid Of A White Tongue Naturally
Home Remedies To Treat A White Tongue
1. Baking Soda
1 teaspoon of baking soda A few drops of water A soft-bristled toothbrush
You must do this once daily. The alkaline nature of baking soda can help in neutralizing the acids in your mouth, thus restoring its pH. This has an antimicrobial effect on the oral pathogens and can help in their elimination, thus treating a white tongue (1).
2. Probiotic Yogurt
1 bowl of plain probiotic yogurt You must follow this remedy once daily. Probiotic yogurt contains beneficial cultures of L. acidophilus and B. lactis. These can help combat the trouble-causing oral pathogens like bacteria and fungi that may be responsible for the development of white patches on your tongue (2).
3. Turmeric
½ teaspoon of turmeric powder A few drops of lemon extract A soft-bristled toothbrush
You must do this at least once daily for effective results. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin that has antimicrobial properties (3). Curcumin prevents the growth of oral pathogens in your mouth and also promotes your oral health, thereby helping in getting rid of a white tongue (4).
4. Coconut Oil Pulling
1 tablespoon of coconut oil You must do this once daily, preferably every morning. Oil pulling offers multiple benefits when it comes to your oral health. It helps maintain your oral hygiene by eliminating the plaque build-up in your mouth, which is one of the many reasons for the development of a furry tongue (5).
5. Sea Salt
Sea salt (as required) A soft toothbrush
Do this twice daily for best results. Sea salt is another great remedy for treating a white tongue. It is naturally antiseptic, antibacterial, and exfoliating and can help alleviate oral problems that could be triggering the condition (6).
6. Aloe Vera Juice
1 tablespoon of fresh aloe vera juice Do this 2 to 3 times daily for 2 weeks to start seeing results. Aloe vera has natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These properties can help treat oral conditions like oral lichen planus that could be responsible for the development of a white tongue (7).
7. Colloidal Silver
1 tablespoon of colloidal silver 1 tablespoon of water
You must do this 2 to 3 times daily for optimum benefits. Colloidal silver is a wonderful remedy for treating oral infections that could be causing your tongue to turn white. It can help eliminate multiple oral microbes like fungi and bacteria (8), (9).
8. Garlic
2-3 garlic cloves Do this twice daily. Garlic possesses strong antimicrobial properties due to the presence of organosulfur compounds like allicin in it. Allicin gets activated upon being crushed and can help eliminate the infection-causing microbes in your mouth (10).
9. Oregano Oil
1 drop of oregano oil 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (or any other carrier oil)
You must do this once daily for the desired effects. Oral infections caused by pathogens are one of the major triggers of a white tongue. Oregano (Origanum vulgare) oil exhibits strong antimicrobial properties against oral microbes like candida that cause oral thrush (12).
10. Pau D’arco Tea
2 teaspoons of pau d’arco bark 4 cups of boiling water
You must drink 1 to 2 cups of this tea daily. The antifungal nature of pau d’arco tea can help combat oral fungal infections naturally. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help alleviate a swollen tongue (13).
11. Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar 1 glass of warm water
You must follow this procedure at least once daily. Apple cider vinegar is a rich source of multiple nutrients, and it also exhibits powerful antimicrobial properties (14). These properties can help treat fungal infections like oral thrush quite easily, thereby helping you get rid of a furry tongue.
12. Glycerin
Vegetable glycerin (as required) A soft toothbrush
You must do this twice daily to start seeing results. Glycerin (glycerol) can help you get rid of a white tongue quite effortlessly, especially if the underlying cause for the condition is a dry mouth (15). It moisturizes your tongue instantly and prevents further issues (16).
13. Cranberry Juice
1 glass of fresh cranberry juice Consume a glass of fresh cranberry juice daily. You must drink fresh cranberry juice once daily. Cranberry juice is a powerful antimicrobial agent that can help you get rid of the pathogens responsible for oral infections. It is also a popular remedy for candida, one of the main causes of oral thrush and the subsequent white coating on your tongue (17).
14. Neem (Indian Lilac)
1 tablespoon of dried neem leaves 1 cup of water
You must do this twice daily until you notice an improvement in your condition. Neem possesses excellent antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help clear infectious oral pathogens from your mouth (18), (19). This, in turn, also helps in eliminating a white tongue with time. Once you have begun using these remedies, you should also follow a few tips to reduce your odds of developing a furry tongue again.
Prevention Tips
Use a fluoride toothpaste for brushing your teeth. Use a mouthwash regularly. Floss daily. Quit smoking or chewing tobacco. Limit your alcohol intake. Follow a healthy diet that consists of several fresh fruits and vegetables. Visit your dentist once every six months.
What is the difference between a white tongue and bumps on the tongue? Check out this infographic to learn more about 4 medical conditions that are linked to white tongue. The swelling or bumps (papillae) on your tongue are usually a result of poor oral hygiene. They can even be caused due to irritations from hot foods. When food, bacteria, debris, or dead cells get trapped between these inflamed bumps, a white coating is formed on the tongue. How long does it take for a white tongue to go away? A white tongue usually disappears in a few weeks. With treatment, it will disappear even faster. However, if the condition persists, it is best to seek medical attention immediately. What nutritional deficiency causes white tongue? Some believe that a deficiency or vitamin B12 or iron, which causes anemia, may lead to a pale or white tongue. However, more information is needed in this regard. Does excess stomach acid cause white tongue? No, excess stomach acid does not cause the tongue to turn white. What it may cause is a burning sensation or pain on the tongue and the inner cheeks. Can gastritis cause a white tongue? Yes, stomach disorders like gastritis can cause rapid changes in the coating of the tongue depending on the severity of the disease (18).
