Why Is My Tongue White? 4 Reasons You Need To Know

TheIndonesia.id - There is a condition where the tongue has a white coating on its upper surface, accompanied by discomfort oral cavity. A white tongue is a disorder that occurred evenly across the surface of the tongue, or only looks like spots. 

The white tongue is sometimes also accompanied by a rough and hairy sensation. These sensations are the fingerlike projection (papillae), the nerve endings on the tongue that receive taste stimuli. 

What causes a white tongue?

The appearance of a white coating is caused by debris, bacteria, and dead cells getting lodged between the enlarged and sometimes inflamed papillae. Quoting Insider, here are what makes a white tongue. 

1. Injury

A person who has very sharp teeth is risky to touch the tongue, making the tissue grow thicker to protect its layer.

"It's like a ship on your feet," explained Felipe Nor, assistant clinical professor of oral medicine at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

It will hurt when the person bites the tongue and causes trauma or injury, usually, canker sores will appear.

2. Lichen planus

Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that occurs when the immune system attacks cells in the mucous membranes of the mouth.

Signs of oral lichen planus are white patches that look like lace on the tongue or the inside of the cheeks.

This condition is most common in middle-aged women and people with compromised immunity.

3. Human papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can affect several organs other than the genitals, such as the mouth and throat. It is usually spread by kissing the tongue or giving oral sex to someone who is infected with the virus.

"On the tongue, HPV can manifest as white cauliflower-like lesions," continued Nor.

4. Candidiasis

Candidiasis is an infection that causes an overgrowth of yeast, a type of fungus, in the mouth. It is common in people who smoke or have dry mouths. People who are immunocompromised are also at higher risk of developing candidiasis.