Everything You Need to Know About White Spots on the Tongue

Young woman with acne before and after retouch.

The tongue is a vital organ that helps us taste and swallow food. But have you ever noticed white spots on your tongue? Most people have experienced this condition at some point in their lives. Still, it can (understandably) trigger considerable anxiety and panic.

Generally, a white spot on tongue tissue is harmless. Still, they could be a warning sign of a more serious underlying condition needing attention. White tongue spots are common and can have many different causes. Therefore, it’s essential that you understand the reasons white spots form on your tongue and how to treat them.

In this article, we’ll delve into the underlying causes of white spots on the tongue, possible visible symptoms, and available treatments.

Oral Symptoms of White Spots on Your Tongue

The symptoms of white tongue spots may vary depending on the underlying cause. Generally, white spots appear as small, raised bumps that may or may not be surrounded by red or irritated areas. Generally, if you’re noticing the spots for the first time, the only symptom will be the spot itself. However, they may also be painful, cause an unpleasant taste, or you may experience difficulty eating or drinking. In some cases, these spots may bleed or become filled with pus.

Inflammation of the papillae on the tongue can lead to a burning sensation or a loss of taste. The pain can worsen when eating sour, spicy, or hot foods. Oral thrush (oral candidiasis) symptoms typically include a painful mouth and tongue with difficulty swallowing and a white appearance on just a portion or the entire tongue. In addition, Leukoplakia may develop into oral or tongue cancer in rare cases. If you are experiencing pain or other worrying symptoms while having white spots on the tongue, visit your doctor.

Causes of White Spots on the Tongue

Before discussing the causes of white spots on the tongue, it’s important to note that they may not present any painful symptoms. Instead, white tongue spots may be characterized by one or several bumps, ranging from tiny bumps or large patches. Some of the triggers that cause this condition include:

Poor Oral Hygiene

Sometimes, poor oral hygiene can cause white tongue spots. For example, bacteria can accumulate in your mouth and cause white spots or a white film (along with a bad taste!) if you don’t brush, floss, or use a mouth rinse regularly. This is due to an accumulation of debris stuck between the taste buds and other parts of the mouth.

Dehydration

Everyone has had dehydration leave their tongue white once or twice. Dehydration can cause a dry mouth and cracked tongue, resulting in white spots. Without enough saliva, your tongue can’t get rid of food particles, dead cells, and other bacteria or debris. Therefore, staying hydrated is essential by drinking plenty of water and avoiding dehydrating beverages such as coffee or alcohol.

Vitamin Deficiency

Vitamin B12, folic acid, or iron deficiency can also cause white tongue spots. If these vitamins are lacking in your diet, you may feel tired or experience additional symptoms. You may also develop anemia, resulting in white spots on the tongue. Therefore, speaking to your doctor about checking your nutrients if you notice white spots on your tongue is crucial.

Smoking

Smoking can cause the tongue to become inflamed and irritated, resulting in white spots. Tobacco use can also decrease saliva production, leading to further irritation and inflammation or even a condition known as “black hairy tongue.”

Vaping

Vaping can also cause irritation, tongue inflammation, a white coating on the tongue, and dehydration, resulting in white spots. In some cases, these spots may become painful or bleed easily. Therefore, it’s important to avoid vaping if you experience any discomfort that is associated with it.

Incorrect Brushing

Brushing your teeth incorrectly or vigorously can irritate the tongue, resulting in white patches. Instead, brush your teeth gently and use soft bristles.

Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause white spots on the tongue. Keep your alcohol intake in moderation or avoid it altogether to prevent this from happening.

Infections

Certain infections, such as herpes, syphilis (a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterial infection), tongue infections, or mononucleosis, can also cause white spots on the tongue. If you experience any further symptoms along with the white spots, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately to keep your mouth healthy.

Geographic Tongue

Also known as benign migratory glossitis, this appears as white or reddish patches on the tongue and may form patterns that mimic shapes on a map. This condition is quite common and harmless but may cause a burning sensation. The cause of migratory glossitis is unknown, but certain foods, irritants, medications, or stress can aggravate it.

Oral Thrush

Thrush is a yeast infection caused by Candida yeast in the oral cavity, affecting the tongue and tonsils. It presents as a white coating of curdled patches on the tongue and the throat lining at the back of our mouth. This fungal infection can affect anyone but is more common in people with weakened immune systems or those who use inhalers for asthma.

Papillae Inflammation

Inflammation of the tongue papillae can cause white spots, leading to painful Beur Tongue Syndrome. Papillae are tiny protrusions on the tongue that hold taste buds. They can become inflamed for various reasons, including local trauma, poor oral hygiene, smoking, or eating sharp foods.

Beur Tongue Syndrome

Beur tongue syndrome, or burning tongue syndrome, is caused by an overgrowth of the papillae on the tongue’s surface, resulting in white spots. This condition can be aggravated by poor oral hygiene, smoking, dehydration, or nutritional deficiency.

Canker Sores

Canker sores are small, shallow ulcers on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, or throat, resulting in white spots. They are usually small and round, with a white or yellow center and a red border. Canker sores typically cause pain and discomfort but can be easily treated with topical anesthetics or anti-inflammatory medications. They are not contagious and usually heal on their own, but there are over-the-counter treatments available to ease the pain.

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, Sjorgen’s Syndrome, Crohn’s Disease, and Psoriasis can also cause white spots on the tongue. If you have an autoimmune disorder and experience any additional symptoms along with the white spots, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

Leukoplakia

Another possible cause of white spots on the tongue is Leukoplakia, a chronic inflammatory condition where mouth cells grow excessively. This condition causes thick, white patches on the tongue, inside the cheeks, or gums. Leukoplakia can be caused by tobacco use or other irritants, and it can increase the risk of oral cancer. Therefore, you should always seek medical attention if you notice white spots that don’t go away or are accompanied by other symptoms.

Oral Lichen Planus

Oral lichen planus is an inflammatory disorder that affects the lining of the mouth and can cause a white patch on the tongue. Researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes this chronic condition, but it may be due to an immune response or genetic factors. This disorder is not contagious and can typically be treated with topical steroids or antifungal medications. However, you should seek medical attention if the condition is severe or doesn’t respond to treatment within a few weeks. In some cases, oral cancer, such as tongue cancer, can develop from this disorder, so it’s important to get checked by a doctor.

To sum up, there are a variety of potential causes for white spots on the tongue. If you notice any white spots on your tongue that won’t go away, it’s crucial to identify the underlying cause and take steps to treat it. Some conditions may require medical attention, so it’s best to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about your white spots. Treatments for these underlying causes will help reduce the discomfort associated with the white spots and prevent them from returning. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and practicing healthy lifestyle habits are also important to help reduce the risk of developing white spots on the tongue.

How Do You Treat White Spots on the Tongue?

The different causes of white spots on the tongue require various treatments. Treatment typically targets the root cause, which can be managed by:

Home remedies – over-the-counter medications can help alleviate the pain caused by white patches on the tongue. Gargling with salt water or baking soda water can also help soothe the tongue.

Medications – If your white spots are caused by something more severe than dehydration or poor oral hygiene, your doctor might prescribe medication to treat the underlying cause.

Diet changes – Eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of developing tongue problems. Avoiding smoking or drinking alcohol can also help reduce the chances of developing white spots on the tongue.

Generally, soothing mouthwashes, rinsing the mouth with salt water, and eating more healthy foods can help get rid of food particles and debris and treat simple white spots on the tongue. However, if the white spots persist, getting a professional diagnosis from a healthcare provider is vital.

Treatment Options for White Spots on the Tongue

The treatment for white spots on the tongue will depend on the underlying cause.

If the spots persist or become more painful, seeing a doctor or a dentist is essential. They may prescribe antifungal medication or antibiotics or recommend over-the-counter medications that can help reduce inflammation or relieve pain.