What does a thick yellow tongue coating mean?

Under normal circumstances, a thick yellow tongue coating may be caused by factors such as diet, lifestyle habits, indigestion, periodontitis, or chronic hepatitis B. Treatment may include general management and medication under the guidance of a physician. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Dietary Factors

Long-term consumption of spicy, greasy, smoked, or foods rich in yellow pigments can lead to a thickened and yellow tongue coating. It is recommended to adjust dietary habits in daily life and reduce the intake of spicy and greasy foods.

2. Lifestyle Habits

Poor lifestyle habits such as prolonged late-night activity, irregular作息 (sleep patterns), and lack of physical exercise can cause endocrine imbalances in the body, affecting oral health and leading to a thick yellow tongue coating. It is important to regulate daily routines and ensure adequate sleep.

3. Indigestion

Indigestion may result from improper eating habits or eating too quickly. When the digestive system is impaired, food cannot be fully digested and absorbed, causing accumulation of food residue and toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, which may lead to the aforementioned symptoms. This condition may be accompanied by bloating and abdominal pain. Medications such as domperidone tablets, Jianwei Xiaoshi tablets (digestive aid), or compound digestive enzyme capsules should be taken according to medical advice.

4. Periodontitis

Periodontitis may be caused by bacterial infections, poor oral hygiene, or smoking. It increases the number of bacteria in the mouth, affecting oral health and resulting in a thick yellow tongue coating. Symptoms may include oral pain and bleeding. Treatment may involve medications such as metronidazole buccal tablets, amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, or chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse, used under a doctor's guidance.

5. Chronic Hepatitis B

Chronic hepatitis B is caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus. The viral infection may impair liver function and affect bile secretion, leading to a thick yellow tongue coating. Symptoms may include liver area pain and loss of appetite. Patients should take medications such as compound glycyrrhizin tablets, glucurolactone tablets, or entecavir dispersible tablets as prescribed by a physician.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet, avoid excessive consumption of spicy and greasy foods, adhere to regular作息 (sleep-wake cycles), and engage in moderate physical activity to promote overall health and prevent issues such as a thick yellow tongue coating.