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What causes white coating on tongue?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have bad breath, and my tongue is white even when I brush really hard for a long time. I have had this issue for years. I have consulted a doctor about this issue. But nothing helps me.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Mousam Chattopadhyay

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mousam Chattopadhyay is a Dental Surgeon with expertise in restorative dentistry, root canal treatment, cosmetic procedures, and minor oral surgeries. He is skilled in smile designing, dental implants, and preventive dental care for patients of all age groups. Dr. Chattopadhyay is committed to providing precise, pain-free, and patient-focused care, ensuring optimal oral health, functional restoration, and confident smiles through personalized treatment plans.    

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Foul breath always occurs in relation to food accumulation. White tongue occurs due to food deposition on the tongue. I suggest you use a soft-bristle toothbrush for brushing. Use it twice daily in vertical strokes. Use floss and a tongue scraper after brushing. It keeps your tongue clean and prevents bacterial growth. Use a mild mouthwash containing natural potassium. Do not use it for a prolonged time to avoid staining. Use it for two weeks. Use Candid (Clotrimazole) mouth paint over the tongue.

The whitish tongue can also occur due to fungal causes. Apply it to the tongue two to three times a day. Tongue-scraping habits help to clear food deposition. Rinse your mouth after eating. Make it a habit. Avoid taking sticky or sweet food. Do scaling once in six months to prevent tartar deposition. The other causes of foul breath are consumption of sulfur-rich foods, staying on an empty stomach for a long time, acid reflux, and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Try to rule out the cause soon. Follow these steps, and it will help to deal with your foul breath issue.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At June 17, 2020
Reviewed At June 3, 2026

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mousam Chattopadhyay is a Dental Surgeon with expertise in restorative dentistry, root canal treatment, cosmetic procedures, and minor oral surgeries. He is skilled in smile designing, dental implants, and preventive dental care for patients of all age groups. Dr. Chattopadhyay is committed to providing precise, pain-free, and patient-focused care, ensuring optimal oral health, functional restoration, and confident smiles through personalized treatment plans.    

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mousam Chattopadhyay is a Dental Surgeon with expertise in restorative dentistry, root canal treatment, cosmetic procedures, and minor oral surgeries. He is skilled in smile designing, dental implants, and preventive dental care for patients of all age groups. Dr. Chattopadhyay is committed to providing precise, pain-free, and patient-focused care, ensuring optimal oral health, functional restoration, and confident smiles through personalized treatment plans.    

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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