What Causes Recurring Yellow Coating On Tongue?

Posted on Fri, 17 Jun 2016

Question: I have had a reoccurring yellow tongue for about a year now. When i scrape it, it goes. But everyday by the end of the day I have yellow down the sides and back

I have had a reoccurring yellow tongue for about a year now. When i scrape it, it goes. But everyday by the end of the day I have yellow down the sides of my tongue and sometimes at the back of it too. I've tried medicine such as Nystan prescribed to me by my doctor. I've tried other routes such as vitamin b, green tea, oil of oregano, and as of yet - nothing.

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following causes and treatment to yellow tongue

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concern.

Having a yellow tongue is suggestive of :
- bad oral hygiene
- stomach hyperacidity problems
- teeth/gums infection/inflammation

Apart oral fungal infection treated with Nystatin, stomach issues should be also ruled out by upper endoscopy and after consultation with gastroenterologist.

A good oral examination by dentist is also recommended.

Smoking is also another cause. Dehydration is also to consider especially if you do not drink enough water during the day.

For the moment, I can advise as following:
- drink plenty of water to keep well hydrated
- wash your teeth thrice daily
- rinse your mouth with oral antiseptic
- apply honey with a bit of soda bicarbonate on the mouth

Hope it was of help.
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (24 hours later)

Hi,

thank you for your response. But, i have done all those things, including two seperate courses of Nystatin. My dentist has checked my oral hygiene and said its all ok. I think it may be something to do with my stomach or another organ. Do you have any suggestions as to what i should do now? A chinese doctor suggested that my kidneys werent functioning correctly and offered cordycep medicine as well as acupunctre .

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following tests advised

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

At this point , upper endoscopy is advised to evaluate your stomach.

With regards to kidney medication, first I need to know if your kidney are really problematic through kidney function test and urine analysis
Next, liver function test is advised to evaluate liver status too

After analyzing such results, we can determine the best treatment strategy.

For the moment, keep good oral hygiene.

All the best.
Dr. Albana

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar