White Tongue Coating

When you open your mouth and look at your tongue, what does it look like? Is it a healthy shade of pink, or does it have a white film cover it? A white tongue coating has a variety of causes. What are the causes, and how do you get rid of that disgusting white film?

Keep reading to find out what causes a white tongue coating.......

That white film on your tongue could be a sign you're not drinking enough fluids. Dehydration causes dead skin cells to build up on the surface of the tongue. This also happens when you don't brush your tongue each time you brush your teeth.

Another cause of a white tongue coating is infection with a fungus called Candida. Candida is normally present on the skin and in the mouth, but it doesn't cause problems unless your immune system is weakened.

This comes from taking medications such as steroids or antibiotics or from a medical problem that's affecting your immune system. If you have Candida, it's a good idea to get a physical exam to rule out conditions such as diabetes.

Keep reading to find out how to tell if a white tongue coating is due to Candida........

To distinguish between a simple build-up of dead skin cells and Candida, scrape the surface of your tongue with a tongue depressor or popsicle stick. If you scrape the white coating and see a red area underneath or if the area bleeds, it could be a Candida infection. See your doctor in this case.

Here's further information on how to deal with a white tongue coating.