White coating on the tongue – how to get rid of it?

A white coating on the tongue is a common problem that can affect people of any age. Although it can be harmless in some cases, it is often a sign of poor oral hygiene or other health conditions. In this article we look at the causes of a white coating on the tongue, how it is treated and how to remove it at home.

Is a white coating on the tongue normal?

A thin white coating on the tongue is often natural and nothing to worry about. It is caused by the shedding of epithelial cells and the build-up of bacteria. However, if the coating is thick or rough, or comes with other symptoms such as pain, bleeding or bad breath, it may point to a problem that needs treatment.

The most common causes of a white coating on the tongue

• Poor oral hygiene: Ineffective brushing of the teeth and tongue leads to a build-up of plaque and bacteria, which can cause a white coating.
• Dry mouth: A lack of saliva makes it harder for the tongue to clean itself naturally and encourages bacteria to grow.
• Smoking: Chemicals in cigarette smoke irritate the tongue and encourage coating to build up.
• Candida albicans: This is a fungus that naturally lives in the mouth, but it can overgrow in people with a weakened immune system, leading to oral thrush.
• Some medicines: Certain antibiotics, steroids and other medicines can cause a white coating on the tongue.
• Digestive problems: Stomach and gut conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux can irritate the tongue and cause a coating.
• Vitamin deficiencies: A lack of B vitamins, iron or zinc can also contribute to a white coating on the tongue.

White coating on the tongue in children

A white coating on a child’s tongue is quite common and rarely a cause for concern. The most frequent cause is insufficient oral hygiene. It is important to teach your child to brush their teeth and tongue properly twice a day and to floss once a day. If the coating does not go away or comes with other symptoms, such as fever, a sore throat or loss of appetite, see a paediatrician.

White coating on the tongue and dry mouth

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, can lead to a white coating building up on the tongue. This is due to a lack of saliva, which naturally cleans the mouth and stops bacteria from growing. Dry mouth can have many causes, such as:

• Medicines: Some medicines, such as antihistamines, diuretics and certain blood pressure medicines, can cause dry mouth.
• Health conditions: Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Sjögren’s syndrome and other conditions can cause dry mouth as a side effect.
• Stress and anxiety: Stress and anxiety can temporarily reduce saliva production.
• Smoking: Smoking irritates the lining of the mouth and reduces saliva production.

If you have a dry mouth and a white coating on your tongue, it is important to see a doctor to find the cause and the right treatment.

White coating on the tongue and reflux

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which stomach acid flows back from the stomach into the oesophagus and mouth. This can irritate the tongue and lead to a white coating. Besides the coating, reflux symptoms may include:

• Heartburn
• Acid regurgitation
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Hoarseness
• Chest discomfort

If you think you may have reflux, see a doctor. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, such as avoiding foods and drinks that trigger reflux, quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight. In some cases, medicines or surgery may be needed.

White coating on the tongue – how is it treated?

Treatment of a white coating on the tongue depends on its cause. If it is caused by poor oral hygiene, improve your routine with regular brushing of the teeth and tongue and a mouthwash. For dry mouth, use saliva substitutes or chew sugar-free gum. If the coating is caused by oral thrush, a doctor may prescribe antifungal medicine. For other conditions, such as reflux or vitamin deficiencies, treatment will depend on the specific condition.

How to get rid of a white coating on the tongue at home?

There are a few home remedies that can help remove a white coating from the tongue:

• Brushing your tongue: Use a soft toothbrush or a special tongue scraper to gently remove the coating from the surface of the tongue.
• Rinsing with salt water: Make a salt solution (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) and rinse your mouth with it for 30 seconds a few times a day.
• Using coconut oil: Put a spoonful of coconut oil on your tongue, move it around for a few minutes, then rinse. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties and may help remove the coating.
• Drinking plenty of water: Staying hydrated supports saliva production, which naturally cleans the mouth.
• Avoiding foods and drinks that feed bacteria: Avoid sweets, processed food, coffee, alcohol and cigarettes, which can make the coating worse.

Remember that home remedies may not be enough if the coating is persistent or severe. In such cases, see a doctor or dentist.

White coating on the tongue and diet

Diet can have a big impact on your oral health and on whether a white coating forms on your tongue. Eat foods rich in B vitamins, zinc and iron, which are important for a healthy mouth. Also limit sugar, processed food, coffee, alcohol and cigarettes, which can encourage bacteria and coating to build up.

A white coating on the tongue is a common problem with a range of possible causes. In some cases it is harmless, but it can often be a sign of poor oral hygiene or other conditions. It is important to keep an eye on your tongue and, if needed, use the right treatment or home remedies to remove the coating. If the coating does not go away or comes with other symptoms, see a doctor or dentist.

Remember that a healthy mouth is key to good overall health.