Scrubbing the tongue with a toothbrush or a tongue scraper will help remove the accumulated bacteria and material on the tongue. This will help relive most of the other symptoms associated with white coating on the tongue including bad breath. However, there are certain home remedies which help in the treatment of this condition effectively and reduce the frequency of occurrence of the problem.
White Tongue Causes
- The most common cause of white coating on the tongue is oral thrush. Thrush is attributed to a fungal infection caused by Candida, which affects individuals with poor immune system or in individuals that suffer from acidity and reflux disease. The condition is fairly common in new born
- Several alternative systems of medicine, consider white tongue as a sign of chronic ailment and as the tongue is considered as an indicators of an individual’s health. This however doesn’t imply of a problem in the oral cavity, but is indicative of a more systemic problem
- Another cause of white tongue is the buildup of sulfurous compounds, which are attributed to the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity. Poor oral and dental hygiene may subsequently result in white coating on the tongue.
- Certain antibiotics and steroids can result in white coating on the tongue as they tend to interfere with the normal immune functions of the body
- Dehydration is another common cause of white dry tongue.
White Tongue Coating
Though White tongue coating may at times be indicative of a serious health problem, more often than not it is attributed to poor oral hygiene. Though most of the symptoms like bad breath or bitter taste in the mouth can often be managed readily by home remedies, these symptoms can be fairly distressing and result in embarrassing situation for the individual.
How to Get Rid of White Tongue Coating Naturally at Home
Here are some simple tips that can help you get rid of white tongue at home,
- Drinking plenty of water is essential as it prevents dehydration and also helps maintain oral hygiene by flushing out the fungi and bacteria that accumulate on the tongue. Drinking water also prevents the accumulation of food particles which may further breed the growth of bacteria
- Regularly gargling with warm water, periodically, especially after meals helps prevent the accumulation of food particles and subsequent growth of bacteria in the oral cavity.
- Avoid sugary foods as these foods help to promote the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi in the oral cavity
- Regular tongue cleaning using the toothbrush or a tongue cleaner is an integral part of oral hygiene and helps maintain oral health.
- Yogurt contains natural probiotics which in turn hamper the growth of bacteria and candida fungi in the oral cavity. Alternatively one can purchase probiotic supplements and consume them at least thrice a day. Probiotics improve digestion which in turn improves the overall gastro-intestinal health
- Local application of turmeric is also considered beneficial. Turmeric is a strong antibacterial and helps prevent the growth of bacteria on the tongue.