What White Tongue Is, and What to Do About It

There are many possible causes for white tongue, and in some cases, it comes with an unpleasant odor and mouth dryness. To get rid of it, sometimes you just need to brush your teeth. But what should you do if that doesn’t help?

❗ This article is for informative purposes only and can’t replace the advice of a specialist.

What white tongue is

The white film may cover the entire tongue, part of it, or appear as spots. At the same time, an unpleasant odor and taste in the mouth may appear. It looks as if there are small white hairs on the tongue’s surface. In fact, they are buds covered with organic particles, bacteria, and dead cells.

White plaque on the tongue (which can also be yellow) may appear for different reasons, like due to irritation or because of an infection. It usually disappears after several days. If the situation doesn’t change for several weeks, and it’s painful to eat and talk, it’s best to see a doctor.

It’s important to note that the plaque may not only be white. While a pink tongue is normal, a brown tongue means the person drinks too much coffee or tea. A yellow tongue means there’s something wrong with the liver, and a red tongue is a sign that the person lacks vitamin B.

Why the tongue becomes white

Usually, the tongue becomes white due to bacteria, leftover bits of food, or dead cells that get stuck in between the buds. Because of this, the buds may increase in size or become inflamed. This is how white spots on the tongue’s surface appear.

Sometimes, the plaque appears due to an illness. For example, the geographic tongue is also a condition where white spots appear on the tongue. It’s quite rare, and the causes are unknown, but the condition itself is often connected to eating foods that irritate the tongue. It may also be a reaction to stress, an illness, or hormonal changes.

Why white plaque appears on the tongue

There are some things that make the appearance of white plaque on the tongue more probable:

  • Age
  • Taking antibiotics (white-yellow plaque appearing when there’s a fungal infection in the mouth)
  • A diet that’s lacking enough fruits, vegetables, vitamin B12, and iron
  • A weak immune system
  • Bad mouth hygiene
  • Dental prosthetics or other objects that can damage the tongue
  • Dehydration and mouth dryness

What piercings have to do with white tongue

Right after piercing the tongue, there might be some white film present. This happens because the number of bacteria on the tongue increases, and it’s normal. Antibacterial mouthwash will help you get rid of it. Plus, there might be a ring around the piercings, which is normal too, and it means the tissue is healing.

If the plaque appears due to an injury (including piercings), the healing should take around 1.5 weeks. You should avoid irritants, such as hot, spicy, or sour foods and drinks.

How to get rid of white tongue at home

  • Practice good mouth hygiene.
  • Drink enough water.
  • Brush your teeth using a soft toothbrush.
  • Use a mild fluoride toothpaste — one that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate.
  • Use fluoride mouthwash.
  • Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to remove the white coating.
  • Drink cold drinks through a straw.
  • Avoid food and drinks that are spicy, salty, acidic, or very hot in temperature.

Who to talk to if you’re worried about your white tongue

  • Your dentist can help you remove the white film from the tongue and prescribe medications if needed.
  • Your GP can diagnose the tongue, prescribe you certain medications and determine if the white tongue is an indicator of a more serious issue.

What do you do about white tongue?

Preview photo credit Genusfotografen (genusfotografen.se) & Wikimedia Sverige (wikimedia.se) / Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 4.0Martanopue / Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 3.0

Men Look More Masculine When Wearing Makeup, a Study Reveals

Makeup is no longer associated with women only, and more and more men are embracing it. In fact, by accentuating facial features and hiding blemishes, makeup can actually make men look more masculine. And it’s not just for actors, as men of all ages and backgrounds are starting to see the benefits of wearing makeup.

It increases attractiveness in men.

More and more men are starting to wear makeup, and a recent study aimed to find out if it can positively affect men’s appearance. A makeup artist applied subtle makeup on a group of men, the participants were then photographed, and the images were rated based on attractiveness. The results showed that the male faces were rated as more attractive when wearing makeup compared to when not wearing makeup.

It makes men look more masculine.

While a beard can change any man’s face, making it more masculine, makeup can do the job almost as well. Researchers have found that makeup increases lower facial contrast, making a face look more masculine.

Makeup can enhance the facial structure.

Any woman knows that masterfully applied makeup can change your look, but men can also benefit from concealers and facial powders. Makeup affects how we perceive men’s bone structure and makes male faces more attractive.

Bonus: Dwayne Johnson on wearing makeup

Just like regular people, celebrities often wear makeup on set or during photoshoots. Dwayne Johnson, one of the most muscular actors in Hollywood, proudly shared on his Instagram account how his little daughters transformed him using makeup. “I haven’t seen myself in the mirror yet, but if I look as cool as I feel right now, then I’m winning, baby,” the father-of-three wrote.

Preview photo credit adamlambert / Instagramadamlambert / Instagram

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