HomeAnswersDentistryoral thrushI have pimples on the back of my tongue. What are they?

Can antifungal agents, probiotics, and saltwater gargling help manage oral thrush?

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Published At March 3, 2024
Reviewed AtMarch 3, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have noticed some pimples on the back of my tongue for almost a month. I thought they would go away on their own, but they have not. I tried gargling with salt water. I have a sore throat at times, and I also have halitosis. I have tried brushing my tongue, but the white substance forms again after a few hours of brushing.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Honey Nandwani

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Those bumps are enlarged circumvallate papillae. They can be due to a number of causes such as oral infections, acid reflux, throat infection, post-nasal drip, etc. Halitosis can occur due to a number of causes including poor oral hygiene, oral and dental infections, post-nasal drip, sinusitis, acid reflux, respiratory infections, diabetes, etc. The white layer on the tongue can be due to a fungal infection or oral thrush. You should consult an oral physician for evaluation and a thorough clinical assessment. Depending on the suspected cause, investigations such as microscopy of scrapings from the tongue can help in diagnosis.

Treating the underlying cause will relieve the symptoms which include:

  1. Gargling with flavored mouthwash twice a day.
  2. Nystatin mouthwash can be helpful if thrush is diagnosed.
  3. Suck on Clotrimazole lozenges.
  4. Consume plenty of probiotics, such as yogurt.
  5. You should chew sugar-free flavored chewing gum.
  6. Perform warm saline gargles twice a day.
  7. Limit the consumption of highly aromatic foods like onions and garlic.
  8. Drink plenty of water and maintain good oral hygiene.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

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

Dr. Honey Nandwani
Dr. Honey Nandwani

Dentistry

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