White tongue often results from poor oral hygiene, dehydration, tobacco use, or infections such as oral thrush[1]. To get rid of a white tongue, several steps and remedies can be helpful depending on the underlying cause.
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth and tongue at least twice daily, and floss once daily. Using a tongue scraper can also help remove the white coating[1].
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dry mouth and help flush away debris[1].
- Avoid Tobacco and Alcohol: Limiting or quitting these substances can reduce irritation and buildup on the tongue[8].
- Baking Soda Rinse: Make a paste of baking soda and water, brush your tongue gently, or rinse your mouth to help exfoliate the surface and neutralize acids[3].
- Probiotic Foods: Consuming yogurts with live cultures or probiotic supplements may help restore a healthy balance of bacteria, especially if oral thrush or fungal overgrowth is suspected[2].
- Salt Water Rinse: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help decrease bacteria and soothe the tongue[4].
- Natural Remedies:
- Neem Leaf Rinse: Boil neem leaves in water, cool, and swish the solution in the mouth[2].
- Aloe Vera Juice: Swish and drink aloe vera juice for its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties[2].
- Turmeric, Garlic, and Oregano Oil: These have antimicrobial or antifungal properties that may be beneficial when used properly[2][4].
- Medical Treatment: If caused by oral thrush (a fungal infection), antifungal medications may be required. Persistent or painful white patches should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out serious conditions such as leukoplakia or oral cancer[5][7].
If your white tongue does not improve in a few weeks with these measures or is accompanied by pain, difficulty swallowing, or other unusual symptoms, consult a healthcare provider as it may indicate an underlying medical problem[7].
References
- [1] White tongue: Causes, pictures, when to see a doctor, and treatment
- [2] 9 Natural remedies to deal with white tongue
- [3] How to Get Rid of White Tongue: 10 Natural Treatments
- [4] How To Get Rid of Thrush: 8 Remedies
- [5] What Causes a White Tongue and How to Treat It
- [7] White Tongue: Why It Happens and How to Get Rid of It
- [8] What White Tongue Means & What to Do About It
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