White Tongue And Mouth Odor? Here's What You Need To Know And Do About Them

Posted on: 3 December 2019

If a white, odorous film forms on the surface of your tongue, you may wonder if you can remove the coating yourself. The white coating on your tongue is a mixture of bacteria, dead skin cells, and minute particles of food. Some of the bacteria living in the coating on your tongue can give off a strong sulfur-like odor. If the odor lingers, it could become halitosis over time.  Learn how to keep your tongue clean and your breath fresh below.

Clean Your Tongue Better With a Scraper

Many people brush their tongues during the day to keep their breath smelling fresh and clean. Although brushing your tongue helps remove some of the germs on it, a regular toothbrush might not be enough to completely clean your tongue. You may also injure your tongue with a toothbrush if you don't use it properly.

You can clean your tongue more effectively and safely with a tongue scraper. Some people use special tongue brushes during their oral care. Scrapers gently remove bacteria and other substances from the tongue's surface. You can complete your tongue cleaning by rinsing your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash.

If using a tongue scraper and other precautions doesn't remove the white, odorous film from your tongue, seek assistance from a dentist.

Ask a Dentist for Assistance

Bacteria and other debris aren't the only things that can turn tongues white. Chewing tobacco, taking certain medications, and even eating soft-textured foods can discolor your tongue. Some types of oral diseases and conditions can cause the tongue to discolor, including leukoplakia and thrush. A dentist can examine your tongue to see why it looks white and smells unhealthy.

If the white coating on your tongue is due to bacterial buildup, a dentist may clean it in the office. The cleaning can also keep the rest of the tissues in your mouth healthy. You may need to use a better tongue scraper and mouthwash to prevent future issues with your tongue.

If you have an issue that requires additional care, such as thrush or leukoplakia, a dentist will consider other treatments for you. You may need to take antifungal medications or use other medications for your white tongue. A dental provider may also test you for oral cancer during your visit. Because leukoplakia may lead to oral cancer in some people, it's critical that a dentist tests you right away.

For more details about the white coating on your tongue, consult a dental office or dentist soon.

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Providing Children With Dental Knowledge

When my three children were young, they were all excited to go to the dentist. The dentist's office was great fun with a large fish tank and a variety of puzzle toys in the waiting room. I liked the pediatric dental office so much that I jumped at the chance when I was offered a receptionist job. Many of the children who came to see the dentist were not nearly as happy as my children. Most kids were scared and anxious, and I learned fairly quickly that the children were worried because they had no idea what to expect. The dentist at the office provided me with a set of dental tools that I could show to the children. I explained how each of the devices worked. This eased the fears, and I started this blog so parents could share dental information with their children before dental visits.

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