Is a normal person's tongue coating smelly?
Disease description:
Today when I looked in the mirror, I noticed that my tongue coating was slightly thick and yellowish, with a faint unpleasant odor. Could this be due to "excess internal heat" (shanghuo)? Also, is it normal for a healthy person's tongue coating to smell?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lei
A normal person's tongue coating has no taste. A healthy tongue has a thin white coating and is tasteless. If the tongue coating is thick, strongly flavored, or yellowish, it may indicate damp-heat in the body. If there is a foul odor, using a mouthwash can help disinfect and reduce inflammation. Avoid eating spicy, stimulating, and greasy foods. Rinse your mouth immediately after meals, and gently brush the tongue coating when brushing your teeth.
