What causes a yellow, thick, and greasy tongue coating, and how can it be managed?

    In general, a thick, yellow, and greasy tongue coating may be related to dietary factors, poor oral hygiene, indigestion, excessive stomach heat, or damp-heat in the spleen and stomach. It is recommended to seek timely medical advice, identify the specific cause, and then regulate the condition through dietary adjustments, tooth brushing, interdental cleaning, medication, and other methods. A detailed analysis is as follows:

    1. Dietary Factors

    Long-term consumption of greasy, spicy, or irritating foods, or excessive alcohol intake, may lead to a thick, yellow, and greasy tongue coating. It is recommended to adjust the diet, reduce intake of greasy, spicy, and irritating foods, and moderately increase the proportion of light foods such as vegetables and fruits.

    2. Poor Oral Hygiene

    Incomplete tooth brushing or infrequent use of dental floss can lead to bacterial growth in the mouth, resulting in a thick, yellow, and greasy tongue coating. It is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene habits by brushing teeth morning and night and using dental floss to clean between teeth.

    3. Indigestion

    Indigestion is usually associated with weakened or disturbed gastrointestinal function. Food remaining in the gastrointestinal tract for too long may generate damp-heat, affecting the normal metabolism of the tongue coating. Symptoms such as abdominal distension, belching, and acid regurgitation may commonly accompany this condition. Treatment may follow medical advice to use medications such as Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets (digestive tablets), Shanzha Pills (hawthorn pills), or Zhishi Daozhi Pills.

    4. Excessive Stomach Heat

    Excessive stomach heat is often caused by irregular eating habits, emotional imbalances, and other factors. Accumulated heat in the stomach rises upward into the mouth, causing imbalance in the oral environment and resulting in a thick, yellow tongue coating. Symptoms such as dry mouth, bitter taste, and swollen, painful gums may also occur. Treatment may follow medical advice to use medications such as Niuhuang Qingwei Pills (bezoar pacifying stomach pills), Huanglian Shangqing Pills, or Huoxiang Qingwei Capsules.

    5. Damp-Heat in the Spleen and Stomach

    Damp-heat in the spleen and stomach is usually caused by irregular eating habits, emotional distress, and other factors. Dysfunction of the spleen and stomach leads to accumulation of damp-heat within them, thereby affecting the normal metabolism of the tongue coating, resulting in a thick, yellow tongue coating. Symptoms such as bitter taste, dry mouth, and bad breath generally accompany this condition. Symptomatic improvement may be achieved under a physician's guidance using medications such as Longdan Xiegan Pills, Qingwei Huanglian Pills, or Ermiao Pills.

    In daily life, it is important to maintain good living habits, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and engage in appropriate physical exercise. Additionally, maintaining a light diet and avoiding spicy, greasy, and irritating foods helps promote overall health.