Dr. Laxmi Narasimha G
Otolaryngology (E.N.T)
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I did not clean my tongue. I brushed my teeth. I have visited the dentist. I am told there is not an issue with oral cancer since I brush my tongue twice daily. I am beginning to worry because, for the past few days or maybe even a week, my tongue has been pink. I do the tongue cleaning around 7am, but by 5pm, it turns white again. Also, I have noticed that the middle of my tongue remains white. I get my teeth cleaned at least 3 times a year. What can I do? Should I be prescribed something? The past few days to weeks are new. I have not asked my regular dentist this question. I am coming to you first. I tried brushing the middle of my tongue with baking soda. It does not work. I did oil pulling. I am now using generic (Walmart) brand mouthwash.
Kindly help.
Hi,
I am glad you chose icliniq for your medical-related queries.
I understand your concern and will try to help you with it.
Actually, the possible causes for this white coating of the tongue are maintaining oral hygiene, dehydration, and alcohol use. Snoring can also be one of the reasons (mouth breathing). Good oral hygiene maintenance will be the best possible solution and use mouth rinse four times daily.
Thank you for consulting me.
You can always come back and reach me at icliniq.com.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
What oral rinse do you recommend?
Are you saying I should not clean my tongue?
Does my tongue look healthy to you?
I am used to it being pink. I have not cleaned my tongue for a year.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read and understand your concern.
Any type of oral rinse you can use. You can clean your tongue, but not with metal cleaner. You can use the soft bristles of your brush. Even after rinsing and maintaining hygiene, if it is there, you can do investigations like
Iron profile.
Vitamin B12.
Looking forward to your response in order to help you.
Thank you.
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Otolaryngology (E.N.T)
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