What causes a thick white coating on the tongue?

Generally, a thick white tongue coating may be caused by factors such as dietary indigestion, inadequate oral hygiene, oral candidiasis, chronic gastritis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under a physician's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Dietary Indigestion: Long-term excessive consumption of greasy or cold foods can increase the burden on the spleen and stomach's digestive functions, leading to food stagnation in the body and upward diffusion of dampness and turbidity onto the tongue surface, forming a thick white tongue coating. Adjusting the diet to mainly include light and easily digestible foods, eating smaller meals more frequently, and avoiding overeating can help alleviate this condition.

2. Inadequate Oral Hygiene: Failure to clean the tongue coating while brushing teeth daily can result in the accumulation of food debris and bacteria on the tongue surface, causing a thick white tongue coating. It is important to gently brush the tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush daily while brushing teeth and rinse the mouth promptly after meals to reduce bacterial growth.

3. Oral Candidiasis: Caused by Candida infection, this condition tends to develop when the oral microbial balance is disrupted, leading to a thick white tongue coating. Symptoms may include white patches on the oral mucosa and mild pain. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as nystatin tablets, fluconazole capsules, or itraconazole capsules for treatment.

4. Chronic Gastritis: Often associated with Helicobacter pylori infection and drug irritation, weakened spleen and stomach function can lead to internal production of dampness and turbidity, resulting in a thick white tongue coating. Symptoms may include abdominal distension, acid regurgitation, and others. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone tablets, or hydrotalcite chewable tablets to reduce inflammation.

5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus can affect the function of the spleen and stomach, causing upward diffusion of dampness and turbidity, resulting in a thick white tongue coating. Symptoms may include heartburn, acid regurgitation, and retrosternal pain. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as lansoprazole tablets, omeprazole enteric-coated tablets, or omeprazole sodium for injection to alleviate symptoms.

In daily life, maintaining a regular routine, avoiding staying up late, engaging in appropriate physical activities such as walking or jogging can help promote the digestive functions of the spleen and stomach. At the same time, reducing intake of spicy and greasy foods, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption can help maintain the health of the spleen and stomach.