The state of the tongue can reveal a lot about our health. Its assessment is one of the steps in performing the physical examination of the patient. White spots on the tongue can appear anywhere, on the back, underneath, or the surface. Its appearance is due to an inflammatory process of the taste buds, sometimes to fungal or yeast infections (fungi). In addition, it can also occur due to a weak immune function. At FastlyHeal, we will explain all the causes of whiteheads on the tongue and how to cure them.
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What are white spots on the tongue?
It is strange to hear someone worry about the health of their tongue or the changes that can be evidenced in it, being so important at the time of the physical examination.
The tongue is a muscle whose essential functions include speaking, digestion, and taste; the taste buds are nothing more than taste sensory receptors. Because it has necessary parts, this organ requires basic care.
The taste buds can trap bacteria, become infected, or become inflamed; if this happens, white spots appear on the tongue, standing out on the tip and surface.
On the other hand, injuries caused by bites or burns can also be evidenced, forming blisters or whitish sores. These whitish spots can appear at any age, both in children and adults; they can be painful and disappear on their own.
Why do white spots appear on the tongue
Several conditions or conditions can be reflected on the tongue by the appearance of white dots:
- Canker sores: also known as mouth and tongue sores , can generate white spots on the tongue in the initial stages. These can cause difficulty in eating and speaking and are frequent from bites. However, they are also related to stress, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and intake of acidic or spicy foods.
- Poor oral hygiene: the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth can trigger the appearance of white dots on the tongue that can turn a whitish-gray color. Taste buds from poor oral hygiene tend to become inflamed and, in fact, sometimes create a white coating on various parts of the tongue.
- Dehydration: Lack of fluid intake can cause dry tongue, in addition to whiteheads.
Some situations tend to be triggers or risk factors for white spots on the tongue:
- Weak immune system from diseases like tuberculosis, AIDS, and even cancer where the defense system has been suppressed somehow.
- Smoking and alcoholic habits.
- Vitamin A, B12, B9, zinc, or iron deficiency.
Other causes of whiteheads on the tongue
- Food allergy can manifest itself with whitish spots on the tongue or simply as spots; it can also be associated with skin lesions. The immune system expels the allergen to the outside, forming the typical pimples that can sometimes be white.
- Accidental bite: it can also be reflected in the regular pimples on the tongue.
- Fat intake: poor diet and the appearance of spots on the skin can also cause pimples on the tongue because the body tries to eliminate fat and the pores of the language become clogged in this process.
- Mouthwashes: some can cause as a side effect the appearance of whiteheads on the language.
- Oral candidiasis: this fungal condition (caused by fungi) can form some elevations on the tongue; the taste buds will become irritated and, in turn, will become inflamed, creating white pimples and some reddish ones.
Recommendations in the presence of white spots on the tongue
All health conditions must be evaluated by a specialist doctor in the area in question; to properly treat the whiteheads that appear on the tongue, the disorder or cause must be correctly diagnosed.
These lesions can disappear on their own, or they can be cured through mouthwashes or specific medical treatment. It is essential not to pop the white spots on the tongue or put any object in the mouth. Vigilance must be maintained, and medical attention must be sought immediately.
At the same time, caution should be taken in case of:
- Unusual and intolerable pain in the tongue that does not go away.
- White dots that change shape and size.
- Difficulty swallowing or swallowing.
- Sudden onset fever.
Natural remedies to cure whiteheads on the tongue
Symptoms of discomfort can be relieved by using some home remedies such as the following:
- Salt rinse: to eliminate infectious processes on the tongue and gums, such as canker sores, lesions, or accumulation of bacteria, the use of salt rinse can facilitate this, also improving oral hygiene. It can be prepared at the moment by mixing one teaspoon of sea salt in 1 glass of warm water and dissolving. It is recommended to do it two times a day to have a more effective result.
- Sodium bicarbonate: It can eliminate whiteheads on the tongue, being antibacterial by nature. It can be used as a mouthwash or as a paste; 1 small tablespoon with a bit of water is enough to form a thick paste. Do it about two times a day until the whiteheads have disappeared. Rinsing can also be done with one teaspoon of bicarbonate in 1 glass of warm water and mix until a homogeneous mixture is formed to rinse the mouth for a few minutes.
- Coconut oil: antifungal by nature, valid for oral candidiasis, as it destroys yeast and tongue and mouth fungi. The way of preparation is simple, mix two drops of cinnamon oil with one tablespoon of coconut oil and apply on the tongue for 1 minute. Ideally, get rid of the mixture and then do the usual brushing. It is recommended to perform one time a day until the remission of symptoms.
Despite having effective natural measures, going to the dentist who will give a proper diagnosis and treatment should not be overlooked.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
We recommend entering our Teeth and mouth category if you want to read more articles similar to why white spots appear on the tongue and how to cure them.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.