Coating on the tongue

Do you have a white, yellow or brownishcoating on the tongue? It is common and is often caused by the accumulation of bacteria, food debris and dead cells on the surface of the tongue. The coating can affect both taste and breath, and in some cases signal an underlying problem.

"The tongue is an important part of oral health but is often forgotten in daily routine. A coating can sometimes be completely harmless, but in some cases it signals an underlying problem."
- Erik, dentist at Dentme

What is coating on the tongue?

Coating on the tongue means that its surface is covered by a visible film that can be white, yellow or brown. It should normally be slightly pink with small bumps (papillae) that help you taste. A coating may be temporary - but if it doesn't go away despite good oral care, there may be other causes.

Symptoms of tongue coating

- White or yellow film on the tongue

- Bad breath (halitosis)

- Altered taste sensation or metallic taste

- Dryness or irritation in the mouth

- Sometimes increased sensitivity or burning

Common causes of occupancy

- Lack of oral hygiene - Bacteria and food debris accumulate if the tongue is not cleaned.

- Fungal infection (oral candidiasis) - Common in people with dry mouth, compromised immune system or after antibiotic treatment.

- Dry mouth - Too little saliva impairs the cleaning of the tongue surface.

- Smoking and snus - Tobacco negatively affects saliva and mucous.

- Medicines and diseases - Certain medicines, diabetes or autoimmune diseases can affect the appearance of the tongue.

When should you seek medical help?

Contact a dentist if:

- The coating does not disappear within two weeks

- At the same time, you have burning, pain or a change in taste

- You have a compromised immune system, diabetes or other illness

- You experience bad breath or difficulty swallowing

How to prevent tongue coating

- Clean your tongue daily with a tongue scraper or soft toothbrush

- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

- Use dental floss or interdental brushes

- Drink plenty of water - avoid tobacco and excessive sugar intake

- Rinse your mouth after using inhalers

Treatment

For mild plaque, improved oral care is often sufficient. In cases of fungal infection, dentists may prescribe antifungal drugs. If a systemic cause is suspected, an investigation may be required in collaboration with a doctor.

Frequently asked questions about coating on the tongue

Is it dangerous to have a coating on your tongue?
Usually not. However, if the coating persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it should be investigated.

What does white coating on the tongue mean?
It may indicate fungus, dry mouth or poor cleaning. A doctor or dentist can determine the cause.

Can antibiotics cause a coating on the tongue?
Yes, antibiotics can upset the balance of the oral flora and cause fungal infections.

Does tongue scraping help?
Yes.Tongue scraper is often more effective than a toothbrush in removing bacteria and food debris from the tongue.

Can the coating affect the taste?
Yes, a thick coating can affect the taste experience and give a metallic taste or reduced palatability.

Sources used by Dentme:

1177 Vårdguiden - Fungus in the mouth (oral candidiasis)
https://www.1177.se/Ostergotland/sjukdomar--besvar/mun-och-tander/munslemhinna-och-tunga/svamp-i-munnen/ 

Bad breath - 1177 Vårdguiden
https://www.1177.se/sjukdomar--besvar/mun-och-tander/mun-lappar-och-tunga/dalig-andedrakt/ 

Dry mouth - 1177 Vårdguiden
https://www.1177.se/sjukdomar--besvar/mun-och-tander/mun-lappar-och-tunga/muntorrhet/ 

Fungal infections - 1177 Vårdguiden
https://www.1177.se/sjukdomar--besvar/hud-har-och-naglar/vartor-och-svamp/svampinfektioner/ 

Sjögren's syndrome - 1177 Vårdguiden
https://www.1177.se/sjukdomar--besvar/ogon-oron-nasa-och-hals/ogonbesvar/sjogrens-syndrom/ 

Mouth, lips and tongue - 1177 Vårdguiden
https://www.1177.se/sjukdomar--besvar/mun-och-tander/mun-lappar-och-tunga/ 

National Health Service (UK) - Oral thrush
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/oral-thrush/