What does a painless white patch on the backside of the tongue indicate?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have seen the picture you have attached (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). It looks like a whitish erosion of the thin oral mucosa surrounded by a red halo and is also flat. These are mostly oral ulcers which usually occur due to stress, hormonal imbalance, vitamin deficiencies, or accidental injury from the toothbrush. This type of ulcer resolves itself in a few days without treatment. But if it is troubling you more often then visit your nearby dentist and consult. Bacterial and viral origin ulcers could be another suspicion. Blood tests are required to confirm the origin of the mouth ulcers; but it is painless so you need not worry about it. Observe it for a week. Meanwhile, please avoid junk food and choose nutritious whole fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin B such as yogurt, eggs, nuts, etc.

Thank you.