You’re brushing your teeth, and suddenly you notice something strange in the mirror. White patches are covering parts of your tongue, and you start to panic. Is this serious? Did you eat something weird? Should you call a doctor right away? Don’t stress.
Most tongue changes are totally normal and nothing to lose sleep over. This guide will walk you through exactly what those white patches might mean, and more importantly, when you should (and shouldn’t) worry.
What Causes White Patches on Your Tongue?
Let’s discuss something that many individuals fail to recognize: the tongue is essentially a living, changing canvas. Just as the consumption of a blue slushy can transitorily alter your whole mouth into a wild azure shade, your tongue can change appearance for all sorts of reasons.
These changes aren’t always a reason for concern. It’s like your tongue is telling a different kind of story, one that’s usually pretty benign, about what’s happening with your body.
Common Reasons for White Tongue Patches
What lies behind those white patches? Let’s take a closer look. Oral thrush may sound frightening, but it’s usually very treatable. It’s a fungal infection that appears when your body’s natural equilibrium is a little off. If you’re a smoker or someone who loves to indulge in alcohol, you might be more prone to these patches; both habits can really do a number on your oral health.
Not drinking enough water puts you at risk for dehydration, and dehydration can have a surprisingly large effect on your oral health.
When you’re not drinking enough water, your mouth becomes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, and poor oral hygiene compounds this issue. In fact, most people don’t realize how big of a role dehydration plays.
When Should You Actually Worry?
Here’s something that’s not too well known: not all white patches are reason to be alarmed. But some white patches do carry warning signs that you should be on the lookout for. If the patches last longer than a couple of weeks, that’s the first big red flag.
Are you feeling any pain or a burning sensation? That’s not good. And if you find yourself having trouble with your eating or swallowing, that’s a major sign that something in your mouth isn’t quite right.
Patches that feel thick or raised aren’t merely an annoyance; they could be telling us that something serious is afoot. Our bodies have a way of giving us signals, and raised patches might just be one of the ways our bodies warn us about what’s happening underneath the surface.
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Simple Home Remedies and Prevention
Always, it is better to prevent than to cure. Initiate the process by intensifying your oral hygiene efforts. This involves brushing your teeth in an effective manner, twice daily; it’s also more than likely that you should be using dental floss with some frequency (i.e., at least once a day).
You might even consider adding an alcohol-free mouthwash to your routine after you brush. And drinking water isn’t just a general health thing; it’s of particular importance for keeping your oral cavity in a state that is inhospitable to harmful bacteria.
Cutting back on sugar can really change things. Sugar is like an invitation for bacteria to set up shop in your mouth, and you definitely don’t need that. Instead of doing heroic things to try and keep your teeth from falling out (which your mouth likely doesn’t appreciate), just have less sugar. That way, there’s nothing in your mouth driving up the bacteria count.
Talking to Your Healthcare Provider
An important matter: seeking medical counsel is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of being proactive about your health. When you converse with a physician, be specific. Describe, in detail, what you see; the texture, the color and any accompanying signs that might help your M.D. make a more accurate diagnosis.
When you have an exam, expect your doctor to check you out thoroughly and possibly question you about your health history, eating habits, and way of living.
They may even do a simple test or, in some instances, suggest you undergo more extensive testing. If you need a comprehensive dental check-up, consider visiting our location on Google Maps.
Keep in mind, though, that with the right plan, most cases of white patches on your tongue are totally manageable.
Thus, breathe deeply. White tongue patches usually mean a physician consultation may be helpful, but they don’t necessarily indicate a serious threat. Gather up information, be vigilant, and take the next step if your tongue patches don’t seem to be patching up.
Final Words
White tongue patches aren’t an automatic emergency. Most of the time, they’re your body’s way of telling you something simple – like you need more water or to brush your teeth better.
Listen to your body, take basic care of yourself, and don’t let WebMD send you into a panic spiral.