What Does A White Spot On Tongue Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 11 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 11 Feb 2015 Answered on

Fri, 27 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I have a 1/4" or so white spot on the back, middle of my tongue. It feels as if I maybe burnt my tongue. I am also getting over a cold, have post-nasal drip which makes swallowing bothersome and I seem to have a lot more saliva than normal. I'm also very thirsty and have been drinking at least 12 cups of water a day for the past week or so. Should I go see a doctor or dentist about this? Also, I work in a school where there has been a lot sickness to include cases of scarlet fever, colds, and stomach flu. Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
possible oral candidiasis

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is possible, based on the description that it is oral candidiasis.

This is yeast infection of an aspect of the oral cavity.

It can occur is the immune system is compromised in some way. The cold that you recently had would have affected your immune system and is likely the cause.

It can also occur in : (1) trauma to the mouth
(2)diabetes
(3)use of medication that affect the immune system such as steroids or other immune suppressant medications
(4)age related immune deficiency- children or older adults
(5)HIV

You would need an oral antifungal for treatment.

This includes medications such as nystatin, daktarin gel, fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole

You doctor can prescribe one of these for you if the infection is confirmed by physical assessment of the area.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

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