What causes a white coating on the tongue?
Jul 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, a white tongue coating may be caused by factors such as dietary influences, inadequate oral hygiene, common cold with chills, indigestion, or oral thrush. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and undergo appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, maintain a regular diet, avoid excessive consumption of raw, cold, or greasy foods, and rinse your mouth promptly after meals.
Generally, white tongue coating may be caused by dietary factors, inadequate oral hygiene, colds due to wind-cold invasion, indigestion, oral candidiasis, and other factors. It is recommended to seek medical advice promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a physician's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Dietary Influence: Consuming excessive white-colored foods such as milk, glutinous rice, and yam within a short period may leave food residue adhering to the tongue coating, causing it to appear white without other discomfort. Rinsing the mouth after meals and maintaining a normal diet for 1-2 days usually allows the tongue coating color to return to normal without special treatment.
2. Inadequate Oral Hygiene: Failure to clean the tongue coating while brushing teeth may lead to accumulation of food debris and bacteria on the tongue surface, resulting in a white and thickened tongue coating, possibly accompanied by mild bad breath. It is recommended to gently clean the tongue coating daily with a tongue brush while brushing teeth, rinse the mouth after meals, maintain good oral hygiene, and reduce bacterial growth.
3. Wind-Cold Common Cold: External contraction of wind-cold may cause cold pathogens to invade the body, resulting in a thin white tongue coating accompanied by chills, nasal congestion, and clear nasal discharge. Patients may take medications such as Wind-Cold感冒 Granules, Jing-Fang Granules, or External Wind-Cold Granules as directed by a physician. Drinking warm water regularly, keeping warm, and avoiding exposure to cold are also recommended to prevent worsening symptoms.
4. Indigestion: Gastrointestinal dysfunction and food stagnation in the body may lead to a thick white tongue coating, accompanied by abdominal distension, poor appetite, and acid reflux. Patients may take medications such as Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets (digestive aid), Domperidone Tablets, or Lactase Digestive Tablets as directed by a physician. Maintaining a light and easily digestible diet, avoiding overeating, and limiting greasy foods are also advised.
5. Oral Candidiasis (Thrush): Fungal infection may cause oral mucosal inflammation, with white patches appearing on the tongue surface, resembling a white tongue coating. When wiped away, these patches reveal a red, sore surface. Patients may take medications such as Nystatin Tablets, Fluconazole Capsules, or Compound Chlorhexidine Mouthwash as directed by a physician. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regularly disinfecting eating utensils are also important.
In daily life, maintain a regular diet, avoid excessive consumption of raw, cold, or greasy foods, rinse the mouth after meals, and have regular oral health checkups. If white tongue coating persists or is accompanied by other discomforts, prompt medical evaluation and intervention are necessary.
