What Does It Mean If My Tongue Has Been White For A While?

Posted on Thu, 14 May 2020

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

Thu, 14 May 2020 Answered on

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : my tongue has been white for some time what does that mean

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It is harmless.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Thanks for the query on 'Ask a Doctor' service. I have gone through the photographs.

The picture suggestive of minimal coating of tongue. Coated tongue is the result of an overgrowth of papillae of tongue along with debris and bacteria.
Conditions like fungal infection and leukoplakia can also cause white tongue, but it looks different.

Poor oral hygiene is the major cause for white tongue. White tongue is generally harmless and will settle by gently brushing your tongue with a toothbrush or tongue cleaner. Drink plenty of water.

Wait a couple of weeks for spontaneous recovery.

Hope I have answered your query. Thanks.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj