White Tongue: Check Your Symptoms and Signs With the Symptom Checker by MedicineNet.com

White Tongue Symptoms

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Terms related to White Tongue:

Discolored Tongue
Glossitis
Leukoplakia
Oral Thrush

Whitening of the tongue can occur when there is a buildup of bacteria and debris on the surface of the tongue due to mild dehydration, illness (when there is less use of the tongue for talking or eating), or dryness of the mouth. A whitening of the top layer of the tongue or the presence of white spots or patches on the tongue can also be seen with infection or chronic inflammation of the surface of the tongue. Certain oral infections, notably Candida yeast infections (known as oral thrush), are characterized by a white tongue. Inflammation and whitening of the tongue can also occur due to dryness or environmental irritants such as smoking. Inflammation of the tongue is known as glossitis. Some white patches on the tongue, known as leukoplakia, can be precancerous lesions.

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Causes of White Tongue

Leukoplakia Leukoplakia is a white or gray patch that develops on the tongue or inside the cheek. Causes of Leukoplakia may include...learn more »
Lichen Planus Lichen planus is a common skin disease that features small, itchy pink or purple spots on the arms or legs. the abnormal areas on...learn more »
Smoking (How to Quit Smoking) Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or...learn more »
Thrush Thrush is an infection of the mouth caused by the candida fungus. Symptoms of Thrush include pain or difficulty swallowing, a...learn more »
Thrush and Other Yeast Infections in Children Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida. Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth...learn more »

Other Causes of White Tongue