What Is a Coated Tongue?
A coated tongue is an oral condition that usually signals bacteria buildup or a coexisting illness. This condition can indicate various health problems stemming from the digestive system or the immune system. Occurring in people of all ages, the coated tongue itself is more of a nuisance than a grave health threat, but may reveal underlying health issues that should be evaluated.
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Identification
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Coated tongues are covered in a thin yellowish or whitish substance on their upper surface. This layer is made up of skin debris, bacteria and small bits of food, among other particles. Also known as a "furred tongue," this whitish coating is usually found in the back and center of the tongue. People with this condition may also have painless whitish patches in other parts of the mouth and throat.
Function
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People who develop a coated tongue may be experiencing an illness or fever, as this condition usually arises when the blood is full of toxins. When the body is weighed down with toxins, saliva is less able to resist bacteria buildup in the mouth, which then creates an atmosphere where mold and micro-organisms can grow freely.
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Prevention/Solution
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One way of preventing a coated tongue is by maintaining a regular and thorough oral hygiene routine. Regularly cleaning the tongue with a toothbrush or cotton swab to gently scrape off any bacteria or food particles are good preventative techniques. This should prevent not only a coated tongue but also the foul odor that can accompany the condition.
Additionally, people with weakened immune systems are found to have coated tongues more frequently than those with strong ones, so boosting the immune system through diet, exercise and regular sleep patterns can help keep the condition at bay.
Theories/Speculation
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Biologists P.C. Wainright and Dr. John Harvey Kellogg believe that the tongue coating may be an indication of poor intestinal health, including the conditions of constipation and diarrhea. In addition to a thickly coated tongue, Kellogg and Wainright assert, bad breath can also be a sign of problems or waste buildup in the intestinal tract. If a patient continually has a coated tongue, this may point to a chronic illness of the lower intestines, the scientists note.
Expert Insight
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Dr. Gonzalo Alvarez of Spain's University of Santiago de Compostela conducted a study regarding the suspected link between intestinal health and coated tongues. He found that the oral condition is most likely caused by automatic regurgitation of both intestinal and gastric liquids, which are then deposited on the back of the tongue. He notes the whitish coating found on tongues is generally thickest when people experience simultaneous bloating, belching and a sensation of bile rising in the throat.
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