How to Get Rid of White Tongue

Co-authored by Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Last Updated: October 21, 2024 Approved

It's a bit of a shock to open your mouth to brush your teeth in the morning and discover that your tongue has a white coating on it. White tongue occurs when the bumps on your tongue swell and trap dead cells, bacteria, and debris between them. Though it looks gross, it usually isn't serious and should go away with time. There are a few simple methods that you can use to clear it up faster and to check to make sure it isn't an indication of something more serious.^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Knowing When To Seek Medical Attention

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1
Call your doctor or dentist if you have other symptoms that together might indicate a more serious condition.^{[2]
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Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist

Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.} Other symptoms to check for include:^{[3]
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- Pain in your tongue
- Dehydration
- Fever
- A white tongue that doesn't go away after several weeks
2
Know the difference between white tongue and geographic tongue. Generally neither condition is serious.
- Geographic tongue occurs when you have smooth lesions that look like areas where the bumps on your tongue are worn away.
- Foods with strong tastes (spicy, acidic, salty) may cause you pain.
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3
Identify oral thrush. Oral thrush is a yeast infection which is a common cause of white tongue. People often get it after taking antibiotics and it is easily treated.
- You may also have a burning feeling in your tongue and the skin at the corner of your mouth may crack and be painful.
- Oral thrush can be effectively treated with antifungal medications including rinses (like nystatin) or pills. Be sure to take the entire course of medication as prescribed.
- Taking probiotic supplements or eating probiotic yogurt may help restore the balance of bacteria in your mouth.
- Use spices with antifungal properties. These include garlic, oregano,cinnamon, sage, and cloves.
- Avoid yeasty food items like dairy, other than yogurt, alcohol, and sugar. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of nuts, whole grains and foods rich in vitamin C.
4
Learn about the more serious conditions that can also cause white tongue, but don't panic. Most cases of white tongue are harmless and go away on their own. However, if you think you might have something more serious, see a doctor. The possible causes are too diverse to be able to accurately diagnose yourself.^{[4]
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- Leukoplakia is a condition where white patches on the tongue are the result of an overproduction of cells and proteins. It usually isn't dangerous, but should be checked by a doctor to make sure it isn't cancerous.
- Oral lichen planus is an immune condition and may be accompanied by pain or a burning sensation.
- Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that may cause a white coating on the tongue as it develops. If you think you may have been exposed, see your doctor because syphilis can be treated with penicillin.
- Cancer of the mouth or tongue
- HIV/AIDS

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making Lifestyle Changes

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Avoid dehydration. Dehydration and dry mouth can cause white tongue. By staying hydrated, you can guard against it.
- The amount of water you need per day will vary with your body weight, activity levels, and the climate you live it. Be sure to drink regularly. Once you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
- Monitor yourself for other signs of dehydration such as infrequent urination, dark urine, exhaustion, or headaches.
2
Quit smoking. Smoking can contribute to the inflammation of the bumps on your tongue, making it easier for debris and dead cells to get trapped between them.^{[6]
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Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist

Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.} This creates an excellent environment for bacteria to grow in.
- The smoke also contains chemicals which are unhealthy for the tissues in your mouth.
3
Reduce your alcohol consumption. Excessive drinking can also cause the bumps on your tongue to become inflamed.
- Drinking alcohol also makes you prone to dehydration, another cause of white tongue.
4
Improve your oral hygiene. This will help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
- Brush your teeth and tongue promptly after every meal.
- Brush your teeth and tongue before going to bed.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash daily.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Removing the White Coating

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1
Brush your tongue with your toothbrush.^{[7]
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Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist

Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.} This will loosen the dead cells, bacteria, and debris that is stuck between the bumps and ridges of your tongue.
- You can do this with or without toothpaste, but using toothpaste will have the added benefit of making your breath smell better.
- Don't scrub so hard that you irritate your tongue. It shouldn't hurt!
2
Scrape your tongue gently with a tongue scraper. Some toothbrushes also have tongue scrapers on the back of them.
- Thoroughly, but gently, scrape from back to front. Don't reach so far back that you gag yourself.
- If it hurts, you are pressing too hard. You don't want to cause any open wounds which would make you vulnerable to infection.
3
Wash your mouth out thoroughly with water. This will rinse out the debris, bacteria, and dead cells.
- Because dry mouth can also cause white tongue, this may also help it go away.
4
Disinfect your mouth with a strong antiseptic mouthwash or salt solution. Though they often don't taste good, they will kill some of the bacteria that is growing.
- To make a saltwater solution, dissolve 1/4 –1/2 teaspoons salt in a cup of warm water.^{[8]
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- For the best results, hold the mouthwash or salt solution in your mouth and swish it around for two minutes. The strong ones may burn slightly.
- Tip your head back and gargle for approximately one minute. Then spit out the mixture without swallowing it. This will help kill bacteria that may be too deep in your throat for you to reach by scraping or brushing your tongue.
- You can get a prescription-strength mouthwash from your dentist if necessary.
5
Scrub your tongue with a natural remedy. Though not scientifically tested, anecdotal evidence suggests that they might help.
- Make a paste of lemon juice and turmeric and scrub it onto your tongue with a toothbrush. The turmeric has antibacterial properties and the lemon juice will help dissolve dead skin and kill bacteria.
- Try a paste of baking soda and lemon juice and rub it onto your tongue. The baking soda will help exfoliate your tongue.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I naturally get rid of a white tongue?

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Board Certified Dentist

Expert Answer

Try brushing or using a tongue scraper to clean off your tongue. Just be sure to rinse your mouth out when you're finished.

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Question

Is it bad to wipe my tongue with a washcloth?

Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.

Chris M. Matsko, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

No, but it is better to brush your tongue, as this will get your tongue cleaner.

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Question

What if none of these remedies work for me?

Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.

Chris M. Matsko, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

Make an appointment with your doctor to be evaluated. Having a white tongue can be caused by a number of things, including oral thrush or an HIV infection.

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