What is the reason for white coating on the tongue?

Question

Hi doctor,

For the last few days, there is a white or yellow coating in the back of my tongue. It has been hurting. My taste buds in the back are swollen and bleed when I use the tongue scraper, which is on my toothbrush. What could this be?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query.

A coated or white tongue occurs when the surface is colonized by bacteria or fungi, and dead cells become trapped between the small nodules on the tongue.
From the image (attachment removed to protect patient identity), that you have sent me. It looks like you have a fungal infection, oral candidiasis. This usually occurs when the immune status of a person is compromised.
Is there any history of recent illness?
Are you taking antibiotics for a longer duration or using a steroid inhaler. If there is history of taking a steroid inhaler, please stop taking it till this is treated.
And whenever you use an inhaler, make sure to rinse your mouth after use.
For the oral candidiasis, I advise you to take the following.

a. Betadine (Povidone-iodine) gargle 2%. Rinse your mouth with this for at least 30 seconds each time for every two hours.

b. Candid (Clotrimazole) mouth paint. Apply it to the affected areas in the mouth after the gargles. Use it every two hours.

c. Tablet Fluconazole 200 mg once a day for 14 days.

d. The symptoms should decrease within four to five days. But, it will take time to completely subside.

e. If marked improvement is not seen please consult a nearby doctor who would evaluate you further for other causes of coated tongue.