Coated tongue is a common condition in which a white coating forms on the upper surface of the tongue. There are many causes for this condition, including fungal infection, inflammation, immunodeficiency and certain underlying conditions. The people most vulnerable to coated tongue include newborn babies, diabetics and denture wearers. There are a number of natural and commercial cures for coated tongue.
Yogurt
Adding plain yogurt to your diet will help to cure coated tongue. Yogurt contains beneficial bacteria called acidophilus, which help to correct the microbial imbalance in the body that causes coated tongue. Alternatively, a nutritional supplement that contains the acidophilus bacteria can be taken to cure coated tongue. A nursing mother can put some yogurt on her nipples when breastfeeding to help cure her baby's coated tongue.
Anti-fungal
An anti-fungal medication, which is commonly prescribed by a doctor, can cure coated tongue. This medication is commonly available in a topical form that must be sucked, or in a liquid form that must be held in the mouth before it's swallowed. Two of the most widely prescribed anti-fungal treatments for curing coated tongue are Nystatin (Mycostatin) and Diflucan. Gentian violet is a natural antifungal treatment that can be used to treat and cure coated tongue.
Underlying Conditions
When coated tongue is caused by an underlying condition, treating that condition will cure it. Some of the medical conditions that cause coated tongue include diabetes mellitus and cancer.
Dental Hygiene
Brushing the tongue regularly can help to cure coated tongue by dislodging dead cells, food debris and bacteria that build up between the papillae on the tongue. (Papillae are the little finger-like projections on the surface of the tongue.) Dentures must be thoroughly cleaned to kill fungus.
Get Rid of Irritants
Removing the irritation source that is causing coated tongue will help to cure this condition. Alcohol and smokeless tobacco, for example, are irritants that sometimes cause coated tongue, and simply stopping their usage will cure it.
Watch and Wait
When coated tongue is caused by the patient undergoing antibiotic treatment or a chemotherapy regimen, no medical treatment is needed. The patient should wait it out and allow it to get cured on its own after stopping medication. However, if it continues more than a week after treatment is complete, the patient must seek medical attention.
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