Who doesn’t want pearly white teeth, but what about your tongue? Well, a healthy tongue should be light pink with some white on the surface, but it shouldn’t be all white or yellow. Not only is your tongue a sign of good oral health, but it can really add to the aesthetics! But as you get older, it often starts to look yellow or white due to a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, genetics, and drinking caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea. So, in case you can’t visit your dentist, we offer you the best home remedies to get rid of your white tongue.
How to get rid of white tongue?
A white tongue is a sign that part or all of the top of your tongue has developed a thick white coating of food particles, germs, and dead cells. This can lead to discomfort, bad breath, a hairy tongue and poor oral health appearance. Although having a white tongue does not necessarily indicate a serious health condition, it can indicate poor dental hygiene, which could eventually lead to infection.
HealthShots spoke to Dr. Nirali Patel, Smile Design Expert and FICOI Oral Implantologist, USA, to find out home remedies to remove a white, coated layer from the top of the tongue.
Dr Patel says: “A white tongue can be a common problem in some cases that people experience at some point in their lives. Although there can be many causes, poor oral hygiene is the most common cause.
Here are 5 home remedies for white tongue
1. Rinse with salt water
One of the simplest and most effective home remedies for white tongue is a salt water rinse. To do this, mix a tablespoon of salt with a cup of warm water and swirl the solution around in your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Salt has antiseptic properties that can help kill bacteria in your mouth and reduce white film buildup on your tongue.
2. Tongue scraper
Another easy and effective way to remove the white coating on your tongue is to use a tongue scraper. You can find tongue scrapers at most drugstores, and they’re designed to gently remove the layer of bacteria and debris on your tongue. Simply place the scraper on the back of your tongue and gently pull it forward, rinsing it between each pass.
Read also : Tongue scraping can dramatically change your health! Here are 6 reasons why
3. Probiotics
Eating foods with probiotics, such as yogurt or kefir, can help support a healthy balance of bacteria in your mouth. Probiotics can help reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and prevent a white film from building up on your tongue.
4. Oil extraction
Oil pulling is an ancient practice that involves shaking a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes before spitting it out. The oil acts as a natural cleanser, removing bacteria and debris from your mouth and reducing white film buildup on your tongue.
5. Baking soda
Baking soda is a natural remedy that can help neutralize acids in your mouth and reduce the buildup of bacteria on your tongue. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste and use it to brush your tongue. Gently brush in a circular motion, focusing on areas where the white film is most pronounced.
Follow these 5 preventative tips for a healthy tongue
1. Maintain good oral hygiene
The most effective way to prevent white tongue is to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use mouthwash to keep your mouth clean.
2. Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dry mouth, which can contribute to a white tongue.
3. Avoid smoking
Smoking can cause a range of oral health issues, including white tongue. Quitting smoking can help reduce the buildup of bacteria in your mouth and improve your overall oral health.
4. Limit alcohol consumption
Drinking alcohol can also contribute to white tongue and other oral health issues. Try to limit your alcohol intake or avoid it if possible.
Read also : Your tongue won’t lie! Know what its color can tell about your health
5. Eat a healthy diet
Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet and avoid sugary and processed foods that can contribute to oral health issues. A healthy diet can help promote good oral health and prevent bacteria from building up on your tongue.
To take with
White tongue can be an unpleasant and unsightly condition, but it’s usually harmless and can be easily treated with home remedies and preventative care. By following these simple tips, you can maintain good oral health and prevent white film buildup on your tongue. If your white tongue persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain or bleeding, it is important to see a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
