By Madeleine Haase on www.prevention.com
“If you happen to notice a white hue coating your tongue or a few white patches here and there, don’t panic. This condition, known as white tongue, is usually nothing to worry about. But in rare cases, this symptom can warn of a more serious condition like an infection or early oral cancer.
So what even is white tongue, and what can you do about it? We’ve consulted with experts to explain all the possible reasons for your white tongue, how to treat the condition, and when to see a doctor to rule out anything serious.
Our tongue has these finger-like projections called papillae, explains Parul Dua Makkar, D.D.S., dentist of Family Dental in Jericho, NY. When those papillae get inflamed for some reason, “it causes food, bacteria or other debris to get trapped in the papillae, and that can give your tongue that white appearance,” says Makkar. She adds that this condition can also lead to bad breath, bad taste, redness or discomfort.”