If your tongue still looks white after brushing your teeth and scrubbing your tongue, the cause may be more than simple tongue coating. The dry autumn air leaves the mouth parched, and many people brush off the change. But if white patches remain after cleaning the tongue, or if pain and a burning sensation accompany them, it is worth checking for other causes such as oral candidiasis.
A white tongue has many possible causes, according to medical professionals on the 18th. Food debris, bacteria and shed cells can build up on the tongue's surface to form a coating. But oral candidiasis, caused by an overgrowth of candida, a type of fungus, is another possibility.
Oral candidiasis is an infection that develops when candida already present in the mouth multiplies excessively. The risk rises among people with weakened immune function, those whose mouths are excessively dry and denture wearers. Certain medications, including antibiotics and steroids, and diabetes can also contribute.
The hallmark symptom is the appearance of white or cream-colored spots or membrane-like lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums or roof of the mouth. When the lesions peel away, the mucous membrane underneath may appear red or bleed. Patients may also feel burning or stinging in the mouth and discomfort while eating. Some report that food tastes different than usual or that the mouth feels covered in cotton.
Because ordinary tongue coating and oral candidiasis can look similar, patients should examine where the white lesions appear, their shape and how long they last, and check whether symptoms such as pain or burning occur alongside them. If necessary, a dentist can inspect the mouth directly or take a sample from the lesion for testing.
"During seasonal transitions, the mouth dries out easily and the condition of the tongue can differ from usual," said Oh Min-seok, head of the dental department at Seran Hospital. "Drinking enough water and maintaining oral hygiene help, but if white lesions remain after cleaning the tongue or the discomfort persists, it is best to have a dentist examine the condition."
Separately, a research team at the Department of Preventive Dentistry at Seoul National University's School of Dentistry filmed and analyzed the brushing habits of 88 adults and identified the lingual surface — the inner side of the teeth that the tongue touches — as an area easily missed during brushing. The study found that 33.2% did not brush the lingual surface at all, a result attributed to the tendency to neglect it compared with the more visible outer surfaces.
Experts recommend using the rolling method, moving the brush gently up and down, while spending at least five seconds on each area. Other recommended practices include using a toothbrush with a small, fine head, replacing the brush every three months, choosing fluoride toothpaste for those with sensitive or cavity-prone teeth, always flossing before brushing and getting regular scaling.
