What causes a thick yellow tongue coating?

Under normal circumstances, a thick yellow tongue coating may be caused by improper diet, excessive mental stress, indigestion, periodontitis, or damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder. If the above conditions occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a hospital. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Improper Diet

Long-term consumption of spicy, greasy, heavily seasoned, or strongly pigmented foods can easily leave food residues on the tongue coating, leading to a thickened and yellow coating. It is important in daily life to adjust dietary habits and reduce intake of spicy and oily foods.

2. Excessive Mental Stress

Prolonged high levels of mental stress may affect the endocrine and immune systems, causing imbalance in oral bacterial flora and subsequently resulting in a thick yellow tongue coating. This can be alleviated through relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.

3. Indigestion

Indigestion is primarily caused by poor eating habits, eating too quickly, or overeating. When the digestive system malfunctions, food cannot be fully digested and absorbed, leading to accumulation of food residue and toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, which may result in the aforementioned symptoms, possibly accompanied by bloating and loss of appetite. Treatment should follow medical advice using medications such as Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets, Multienzyme Tablets, or Zhishu Kuanzhong Capsules.

4. Periodontitis

Periodontitis is mainly caused by bacterial infection around the teeth. It increases the number of bacteria in the mouth, affecting oral health and contributing to a thick yellow tongue coating, often accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. Treatment under medical guidance may include Metronidazole oral patches, Amoxicillin Capsules, or Cefradine Dispersible Tablets.

5. Damp-Heat in the Liver and Gallbladder

Damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder typically results from prolonged consumption of rich, fatty, and sweet foods. This condition affects the body's overall metabolism, leading to a thick yellow tongue coating, possibly accompanied by tinnitus or blurred vision. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as Xiaoyao Pills, Compound Chicken Gizzard Vine Capsules, or Longdan Xiegan Pills.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet, avoid heavily seasoned and greasy foods, learn effective stress management techniques, and uphold good oral hygiene practices to promote overall health and prevent issues such as a thick yellow tongue coating.