What causes a thick, greasy white coating on the tongue base?
Nov 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, a thick, greasy white coating at the base of the tongue may be caused by factors such as improper diet, unfavorable living environment, emotional distress, spleen and stomach weakness, or kidney yang deficiency. This condition can be improved through general treatments, medication, and other methods. In daily life, it is important to maintain proper oral hygiene and develop good habits such as regular tooth brushing and mouth rinsing.
Generally, white and thick腻 tongue coating at the root of the tongue may be caused by improper diet, unfavorable living environment, emotional distress, spleen and stomach weakness, kidney yang deficiency, and other factors. This condition can be improved through general treatments, medication, and other approaches.
1. Improper diet: Consuming excessive fatty, sweet, or difficult-to-digest foods, such as fatty meat and fried chicken, may cause food stagnation in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a white, thick腻 tongue coating at the root. It is recommended to adjust dietary habits by reducing the intake of oily, sweet, and spicy foods.
2. Unfavorable environment: Long-term exposure to damp environments or frequent exposure to air conditioning and cold, humid conditions may lead to dampness accumulation impairing the spleen and stomach, resulting in thickened and whitened tongue coating. Keep the living environment dry and well-ventilated, and avoid long-term exposure to damp conditions.
3. Emotional distress: High life stress and prolonged emotional discomfort may lead to spleen deficiency with excessive dampness, causing a white, thick腻 tongue coating at the root. It is important to maintain a relaxed and positive mood and avoid excessive tension and anxiety.
4. Spleen and stomach weakness: Weakened function of the spleen and stomach may impair the normal transformation and transportation of bodily fluids, leading to gradually thickened and whitened tongue coating. Follow medical advice for the use of herbal medicines such as Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Dioscoreae and Atractylodis Powder) or Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan (Fragrant Sand Rectifying the Stomach Pills) to enhance spleen and stomach function.
5. Kidney yang deficiency: Insufficient kidney yang may result in impaired warming functions of the body, leading to fluid retention and possibly causing a white, thick腻 tongue coating at the root. Kidney yang deficiency may also reduce the body's warming capacity and may be accompanied by symptoms such as a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Follow medical advice for the use of herbal medicines such as Gui Rong Gu Ben Wan (Cervi Cornu and Rehmannia Pill) or Chang E Jia Li Wan (a tonic formula) for treatment.
In daily life, maintaining good oral hygiene is important, including regular tooth brushing and mouth rinsing. Additionally, moderate exercise should be practiced to enhance the body's immunity. If symptoms become severe, prompt medical attention is advised.
