What causes a persistent white-coated tongue and mouth odor?

Question

Hi doctor,

Seven years ago, I completed a course of Accutane. About two or three years ago, I started noticing a bad smell coming from my saliva or tongue. I have a white-coated tongue, specifically with my papillae appearing white. It is not a case of hairy tongue or a thick coating, but just the papillae themselves. I have undergone numerous tests for oral Candida, and every single result has come back negative.

I have tried a variety of treatments, including miconazole, fluconazole, nystatin, saltwater rinses, baking soda, oregano oil, coconut oil, and other antimicrobials. Recently, I tried Chlorhexidine, which temporarily eliminated the bad smell, but it returned two days after I stopped using it.

One thought that comes to mind is that I have a partially dry nose and throat, and I do not produce enough saliva. Even when I do have saliva, my entire tongue still appears whitish, with hints of gray or brown. I have been following a Candida diet for over a year now.

I would greatly appreciate your help if you have any insights into what might be going on with my tongue.

Please guide.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query, and I can understand your concern.

I appreciate the detailed explanation of your candida diet and infection history.

Regarding your concern about dry mouth (xerostomia), it cannot be effectively resolved by using antiseptic rinses like Chlorhexidine. Instead, it requires a combination of home remedies and professional dental help every few months.

To better assist you, I need to know your medical, medication, and family histories. This information will help me identify the root cause of your condition, enabling me to provide effective remedies. The issue could be due to inherited factors or localized causes.

Please share your detailed history so that I can guide you further.

Thank you.