What does a thick white tongue coating mean?

Under normal circumstances, a thick white coating on the tongue may be caused by dietary factors, poor oral hygiene, indigestion, colds, glossitis, and other reasons. Treatment can be carried out under a doctor's guidance through general management and medication. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Dietary Factors

Long-term excessive intake of rich, greasy, oily, or hard-to-digest foods, or irregular eating habits, may increase the burden on the spleen and stomach, weaken digestive function, and lead to the formation of a thick white coating on the tongue. It is recommended to adjust the diet by consuming more light and easily digestible foods.

2. Poor Oral Hygiene

Inadequate oral hygiene—such as incomplete tooth brushing or infrequent rinsing—can cause food debris and bacteria to accumulate in the mouth, resulting in a thick tongue coating. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and develop the habit of brushing teeth morning and night.

3. Indigestion

Indigestion is primarily caused by weakened gastrointestinal function. When food remains in the stomach for too long due to poor digestion, dampness forms and rises to the tongue, leading to the aforementioned symptoms. This may be accompanied by bloating, belching, and acid reflux. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as domperidone tablets, compound digestive enzyme capsules, or lactasin tablets.

4. Cold

Colds are mainly caused by viral infections. During a cold, reduced immunity makes the body susceptible to wind and cold pathogens, increasing internal dampness and affecting the tongue coating, causing it to become thick and white. This may be accompanied by cough, fever, and headache. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as Ganmaoling granules, Isatis root granules, or Shuanghuanglian oral liquid.

5. Glossitis

Glossitis can be triggered by bacterial or viral infections, nutritional deficiencies, and other factors. It may cause numbness and pain in the tongue; some patients with milder symptoms may develop a very thick, white coating. Symptoms may include tongue pain and reduced taste sensation. Under a doctor’s guidance, treatment may involve medications such as compound ferrous sulfate granules, folic acid tablets, or itraconazole capsules.

In daily life, maintaining a balanced diet, paying attention to oral hygiene, regularly checking oral health, and engaging in moderate exercise to promote metabolism are all effective ways to maintain oral health and prevent a thick white tongue coating.