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However, your tongue can get a white coating which can cause bad breath or a bitter taste in the mouth.
When food debris, bacteria and dead cells get lodged between inflamed papillae, this leads to a white tongue. This can occur as a result of dry mouth, dehydration, smoking, fever, and excessive consumption of alcohol.
Eating highly acidic or sugary foods and improper oral hygiene can also contribute to this problem.
There are many other factors that can contribute to this problem, including certain diseases like candida, liver congestion, lupus, leukoplakia, syphilis, oral thrush, and jaundice.
It can occur as a result of some antibiotics and medications as well.
Most people that deal with this problem claim that it is temporary and harmless. Typically, a white-coated tongue indicates dehydration.
After first noticing a white tongue, you should drink plenty of water, natural juices and other healthy fluids. If you keep your body well-hydrated, you will eliminate the problem naturally.
Furthermore, there are various natural treatments that will help you eliminate the coating and maintain your mouth clean and healthy. If your problem is persistent and severe, you should visit your doctor immediately!
Check out the best 10 home remedies for a white-coated tongue.
1. Salt
Salt is one of the most effective remedies for treating a white-coated tongue. Due to its coarse nature, salt acts as a natural tongue scraper and can eliminate debris and dead cells.
Moreover, it offers strong antiseptic properties and can kill bacteria responsible for the bad breath.
You should sprinkle some salt on your tongue and scrub with a toothbrush for 1 minute. Rinse with warm water. Repeat this procedure two times a day. Within a week, you will notice significant improvements.
You can also mix 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle then spit it out. Repeat this a few times on a daily basis.
2. Probiotics
Probiotics can treat a white-coated tongue due to the growth of candida fungus. They contain L. acidophilus and B. lactis cultures which can control the growth of fungi and bacteria in your mouth.
You should mix the powder of one probiotics capsule with water. Brush your teeth as regular and use this solution as a mouthwash. Then, you should drink a glass of water. Repeat this once a day for 1 week.
3. Vegetable Glycerin
Vegetable glycerin is another effective remedy for treating a white-coated tongue. It is particularly effective if the problem is caused by a dry mouth. It can also eliminate bad breath.
You should put a little vegetable glycerin on your tongue. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to brush your tongue. Rinse with warm water. Repeat this procedure twice a day.
4. Oil Pulling
A popular Ayurvedic technique, oil pulling can provide incredible results for treating white tongue, particularly when it is due to oral thrush. It can eliminate the yeast and expel toxins from your body.
Before brushing your teeth in the morning, you should put 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin coconut oil in your mouth. Swish it around your mouth for 15 minutes. Spit it out then rinse with warm water. Repeat this once a day.
Oil pulling can be done with sesame oil also.
Note: You should not gargle or swallow the oil. Do not spit it down the drain as it can clog the drain.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide
Due to its powerful antibacterial properties, hydrogen peroxide can kill the bacteria accumulated on your tongue.
Moreover, it can whiten your teeth. To obtain the best results, make sure to use 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.
Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 2 parts water. Dip your toothbrush in it and scrape your tongue. Spit it out then rinse with warm water. Repeat this once a day for 3-4 days.
Note: Do not swallow hydrogen peroxide.
6. Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory and healing properties and is very effective for treating oral problems. It has the ability to kill bacteria responsible for your white tongue and bad breath.
You should put 1 tablespoon of aloe vera juice in your mouth. Swish it around your mouth for several minutes then spit it out. Then, drink 1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera juice. Do this a few times a day for 2 weeks.
7. Turmeric
Turmeric provides potent antibacterial properties and can prevent the growth of bacteria on the tongue.
You should mix ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder with lemon juice. Scrub this paste on your tongue for a few minutes. Rinse with warm water. Repeat this once a day for a few days.
In a glass of water, mix ½ teaspoon of turmeric. Gargle with it once or twice a day.
8. Baking Soda
Due to its exfoliating nature, baking soda can eliminate a white coat from the tongue. Moreover, it has the ability to neutralize acids, thus maintain proper pH levels in the mouth.
You should mix a little baking soda with lemon juice in order to prepare a paste. Use this paste to brush your tongue with a toothbrush. Rinse with warm water. Repeat this once a day.
In a glass of water, dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Use this as mouth rinse two times a day.
9. Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver can help you if your white tongue is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth. It offers antifungal, antibiotic, and antimicrobial properties and can eliminate bad breath as well.
You should 1 part dilute colloidal silver and 1 part water. Swish the solution around in your mouth for 5 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Repeat this 2-3 times for a few days.
10. Indian Lilac
Known as neem, Indian lilac is very effective for treating a white-coated tongue. It has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties and can eliminate fungus, yeast and bacteria from your mouth.
Moreover, it can purify your blood and eliminate toxins from your body.
To a cup of water, add 1 tablespoon of dried neem leaves. Boil until the water is reduced to half. Let it cool then gargle with it. Rinse with warm water. Repeat this procedure two times a day.
Additional Tips
- Drink plenty of water to keep the tongue clean and prevent food deposits on the surface
- Consume crunchy foods and vegetables like carrots, apples, guavas, strawberries
- Gargle with warm water on a regular basis, particularly after meals. This will prevent the accumulation of food particles
- To maintain oral health, brush your tongue when your brush your teeth
- Use a tongue scraper
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Stop smoking
- Limit the consumption of dairy products and sugary foods
In a case you have a white-coated tongue more than 2 weeks and you are experiencing pain and inflammation, visit your doctor right away!
