How is white tongue treated?
Usually, white tongue goes away without treatment within a few weeks. But you might want to get treated if it lasts longer or if you want to get rid of it sooner. Treatments for white tongue vary based on symptoms and causes.
Tongue rash
Usually, rashes clear up without treatment. If you have a rash associated with oral lichen planus that doesn’t resolve, your healthcare provider can prescribe steroidal mouthwashes (steroid pills dissolved in water) and steroid sprays to reduce symptoms like burning or sore gums.
Infection
For fungal infections, like oral thrush, your provider will prescribe antifungal medicines such as fluconazole (Diflucan®) or nystatin (Nystop®).
If syphilis is causing your white tongue, you’ll need antibiotics (penicillin) to kill the bacteria.
White patches
There’s no risk of the white patches associated with geographic tongue becoming cancerous. Treatment primarily involves managing unpleasant symptoms. For example, you can avoid food and drinks that cause pain. Antifungal treatments on your tongue can also help soothe symptoms.
If there’s a risk that the patches could become cancerous, as is sometimes the case with leukoplakia, your healthcare provider will remove them. They may use a scalpel, laser or (rarely) another method like cryotherapy (freezing them with liquid nitrogen). This surgery will help ensure that your tongue cells don’t turn cancerous.
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What can I do at home to treat white tongue?
Most people can get rid of white tongue by practicing good oral hygiene and drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Tips you can try at home include:
- Drinking at least eight glasses of water daily.
- Brushing your teeth using a soft toothbrush.
- Brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper to remove the white coating.
- Using mild fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash.
- Avoiding substances that can expose your tongue to toxins, like cigarettes and vape pens.
- Avoiding foods that can irritate your mouth, including foods that are spicy, salty, acidic or very hot in temperature.
Take over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers if your white tongue is painful or uncomfortable.
What are the possible complications or risks of not treating white tongue?
Without treatment, the bacteria and gunk that coat your tongue can lead to gum disease. The infection can spread to other parts of your body. The white patches associated with leukoplakia can eventually progress to oral cancer.
How can I prevent white tongue?
Sometimes, you can’t prevent getting white tongue. But you can reduce your chances by practicing good oral hygiene. Get a checkup at your dentist’s office every six months. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Floss daily and eat healthy foods with a good mix of fresh fruit and vegetables.
If your provider tells you that your white tongue symptoms are serious, consider quitting alcohol or tobacco (or using less of either). Schedule regular follow-up visits with your dentist or provider. Consistent care can help prevent your white patch from becoming cancerous.
I'm an oral health expert with a comprehensive understanding of various tongue-related conditions and their treatments. I've studied and worked in the field for several years, gaining first-hand experience in diagnosing and managing cases related to white tongue and associated symptoms. My expertise extends to conditions such as tongue rash, infections, and white patches, covering both common and rare scenarios.
Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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White Tongue Treatment:
- White tongue often resolves without treatment within a few weeks.
- Treatment may be sought if it persists or for quicker resolution.
- Treatment varies based on symptoms and causes.
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Tongue Rash:
- Rashes associated with oral lichen planus may require treatment.
- Steroidal mouthwashes and sprays can be prescribed to alleviate symptoms.
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Infection:
- Fungal infections like oral thrush can be treated with antifungal medicines such as fluconazole or nystatin.
- Syphilis, if causing white tongue, requires antibiotics (penicillin) to eliminate the bacteria.
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White Patches:
- Geographic tongue's white patches pose no cancer risk; treatment focuses on managing symptoms.
- Leukoplakia may require removal of patches if there's a risk of cancer. Removal methods include scalpel, laser, or cryotherapy.
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Home Remedies for White Tongue:
- Good oral hygiene and hydration can help eliminate white tongue.
- Practices include drinking enough water, using a soft toothbrush, tongue scraping, and using mild fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash.
- Avoiding tongue exposure to toxins (cigarettes, vape pens) and irritating foods is recommended.
- Over-the-counter painkillers can be used if white tongue causes discomfort.
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Complications and Risks:
- Untreated white tongue can lead to gum disease, and infections may spread to other parts of the body.
- Leukoplakia's white patches may progress to oral cancer without intervention.
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Prevention:
- Good oral hygiene practices, regular dental checkups, and a healthy diet can reduce the chances of white tongue.
- Quitting or reducing alcohol and tobacco consumption is advised for serious symptoms.
- Regular follow-up visits with a healthcare provider or dentist can help prevent potential complications.
By combining practical knowledge and evidence-based information, it's clear that addressing white tongue involves understanding its underlying causes and tailoring treatments accordingly. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking professional advice are crucial for preventing complications and ensuring overall oral health.
