Coated Tongue

A coated tongue is a condition in which the tongue loses its natural color temporarily. It looks different and no longer appears pink. This unusual appearance of the tongue is due to the formation of a yellow or white layer on it. Sometimes, the tongue is found to be coated with brown or black layer that is typically marked by bad taste in the mouth.

Causes
There are various causes that can be attributed to discoloration of the tongue. The main cause is the increase of bacteria in the mouth which leads to the tongue being coated in either a white or yellow layer. In some cases, even a black layer can coat the tongue, giving the tongue a black appearance.

White Tongue
A white tongue, also referred to as oral thrush, is the result of excess growth of fungus (Candida) in the mouth. Candidiasis is nothing but yeast infection that causes formation of white patches on the tongue. Actually, the human body is a natural habitat for the yeast, which plays a crucial role to synthesize B complex vitamins. However, when presence of yeast exceeds a certain extent, it can manifest in the form of a white film on the tongue.

Yellow Tongue
Occurrence of thick, yellow coating on the tongue is the result of mouth bacteria. As we all know, the outermost layer of the tongue is made up of innumerable tiny elevations, referred as papillae. When these tiny bumps swell or enlarge, they become the breeding grounds for the mouth bacteria. These bacteria residing in the papillae secrete a yellow colored chemical that makes the tongue yellow.

Black Tongue
Discoloration of the tongue that makes it black is indeed unpleasing to the eye. Dark color of the tongue which more or less resembles the color of the hair is an indication of surplus bacteria on the outer surface of the tongue.

Is it Harmful?
A tongue that is coated with a white, yellow or black layer is fortunately a harmless condition. Coating on tongue is not a symptom of any illness and often goes away without any medical treatment. Even though dark yellow tongue may mean a jaundice infection, it is a rarity.

Treatment
People will simply hesitate to talk with that person as bad breath is the most common coated tongue symptom. Also, going out with a discolored tongue is simply annoying. Isn't it? So, the doctor may prescribe fungal medicines for the treatment of oral yeast infections.

Prevention
Although coating of tongue is not a worrisome condition, it does not fit in the parameters of social acceptance. So, is there any way to prevent this tongue problem? Well, one needs to stay away from unhygienic habits such as chewing of tobacco or smoking.

On the whole, maintaining a high standard of oral hygiene is the key for a healthy tongue. While brushing the teeth, we often neglect to clean the tongue. Uncleanliness of the tongue causes build up of bacteria , which may lead to coated tongue. So, using the tongue cleaner on a regular basis will prevent accumulation of food debris on the top layer of the tongue. Inculcating habits such as flossing everyday, brushing twice a day and washing the mouth thoroughly with water after every meal, can go a long way in keeping these tongue problems at bay.