Nutrition and diets 

Bad breath and white coating on the tongue: causes and treatment

Bad breath and a white coating on the tongue are usually caused by the accumulation of bacteria, keratinized cells and food debris. With the normal functioning of the body, this mass should be cleaned from the internal surfaces of the oral cavity. In case of violation of the process, it is urgent to look for the cause of the pathology.

Improper diet, smoking, drinking alcohol and various diseases can contribute to the multiplication of bacteria that form deposits in the oral cavity. We will try to figure out why there is a white coating on the tongue and bad breath, how to identify the pathology, what should be the treatment.

The specifics of bad breath when the tongue is white

Accompanied by an unpleasant odor, a white coating on the tongue may have different causes and signs of manifestation. By the symptoms, you can roughly determine a possible disease or disorder in the body:

  1. If the white film is thin and the smell is slight, it may be a viral disease, while a thicker crust and persistent bad odor indicate serious infections.
  2. Deposits can cover the entire tongue or be localized only in the root part.
  3. According to the consistency and density of the deposits are wet, soft or dry. The smell from the oral cavity is in all cases disgusting.
  4. The resulting white layer can easily separate from the surface or adhere tightly to the tongue.

According to these signs and what exactly smells from the mouth, an experienced therapist should approximately determine the source of the appearance of white plaque on the tongue.

Reasons for violation

Strong breath and white plaque can indicate all sorts of diseases: each requires a different approach to treatment. Consider a few of the main and most common causes of the unpleasant “white tongue” problem.

Insufficient hygiene

Irregular or careless brushing of the teeth and tongue with a toothpaste contributes to the active reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms that form a persistent white crust. Constant hygiene allows you to remove the white film without medical assistance. Under normal conditions, morning and evening cleansing should be enough, but if the procedure does not help, certain components in the body may malfunction.

Diseases of the digestive system

White coating on the tongue and bad breath can signal the following diseases:

  1. Gastritis. It is accompanied by an inflammatory process and the appearance of white deposits on the surface of the tongue. If the acidity of the gastric juice is increased, the tongue will become wet and rough, and if it is lowered, the tongue will be dry and smooth.
  2. Ulcer. The disease causes the formation of a persistent white coating on the root of the tongue and a bitter taste in the mouth.
  3. Pancreatitis. It contributes to the violation of material metabolism and the appearance of white-yellow deposits on the tongue.

infections

When it smells from the mouth and there are white deposits, the causes may be in infectious diseases of a different nature:

  • angina;
  • scarlet fever;
  • dysentery;
  • cholera;
  • whooping cough.

Other violations

White deposits and bad breath can be caused by stomatitis. The disease usually affects children with weak immunity, as the mucous membrane becomes vulnerable to microbes, inflammation, and infections.

Candidiasis, kidney disease, disorders in the liver and pancreas can provoke a white coating and an unpleasant odor. All of these diseases are accompanied by bitterness in the mouth and dry mucous membranes.

Treatment of white plaque and bad breath

The elimination of bad breath and white plaque on the tongue is variable: in each individual case, it is aimed at combating a certain pathology that causes deposits. It is better to start treatment with a visit to the dentist, who will identify and eliminate, if necessary, diseases of the teeth and gums.

After visiting a doctor, it is recommended to go to an appointment with a therapist who, based on additional symptoms, will be able to approximately determine the sources of disorders in the body. The doctor will prescribe tests and studies, the results of which will help direct you to a specialist in a specific field: hepatologist, gastroenterologist and other doctors. Specialists will prescribe medication, and in advanced cases, surgery may be required.

An important role in the fight against bad breath and white plaque is played by regular and thorough brushing with a suitable and high-quality toothpaste. Also, learn to use a special mouthwash after each meal, which will remove food residue and freshen your breath.