What is the reason for thick and white tongue coating and how to treat it

Thick and white tongue coating may be related to poor oral hygiene, gastrointestinal dysfunction, excessive dampness, fungal infections, spleen and stomach weakness, etc. It can be alleviated by adjusting diet, improving lifestyle habits, medication treatment, and other methods. Thick white coating on the tongue is usually manifested as white or grayish white coating on the surface of the tongue, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as bad breath and loss of appetite.

1. Poor oral hygiene

Long term neglect of oral hygiene may lead to thickening and whitening of the tongue coating, as well as the accumulation of food residues and bacteria on the tongue surface, forming a coating like substance. It is recommended to use a soft bristled toothbrush to lightly brush the surface of the tongue when brushing teeth in the morning and evening, and to use mouthwash containing chlorhexidine such as compound chlorhexidine mouthwash to clean the mouth. Avoid behaviors that irritate the oral mucosa, such as smoking and drinking alcohol.

2. Gastrointestinal dysfunction

When digestive disorders or gastrointestinal motility slows down, the reflux of stomach qi can lead to thick and white tongue coating, often accompanied by bloating and belching. You can follow the doctor's advice to use the gastrointestinal motility promoting drug domperidone tablets or digestive enzyme preparation trypsin enteric coated capsules. Eat regularly in daily life, eat small meals frequently, and avoid greasy and spicy foods.

3. Excessive dampness

When dampness accumulates in the body, the tongue coating will appear thick, white, and sticky, which may be accompanied by body heaviness and sticky stool. Traditional Chinese medicine can use Shen Ling Bai Zhu granules to invigorate the spleen and dispel dampness, or Huo Xiang Zheng Qi orally to liquefy dampness and neutralize dampness. Suggest reducing the intake of raw, cold, sweet, and greasy foods, and exercising appropriately to sweat.

4. Fungal infection

Oral candidal infection can cause white milk clot like coating on the tongue surface, also known as thrush. Antifungal drugs such as antifungal mouthwash or fluconazole capsules should be used for treatment. People with low immunity such as diabetes patients are more likely to occur, and basic diseases need to be controlled.

5. Weakness of spleen and stomach

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that when the spleen and stomach function is weakened, the essence of water and grains cannot be transported normally, forming a thick white tongue coating. You can choose Xiangsha Yangwei Wan or Buzhong Yiqi Wan to invigorate the spleen and stomach. You can eat spleen strengthening ingredients such as yam and lotus seeds in daily life to avoid overeating and exacerbating the burden on the spleen and stomach. Maintaining a regular schedule and moderate exercise can help improve metabolism and promote the restoration of normal tongue coating. The diet should be light and easy to digest, and consume foods rich in B vitamins such as whole grains and lean meat. If the thick and white tongue coating persists or is accompanied by other discomfort symptoms, timely medical examination should be sought to rule out the possibility of systemic diseases. Pay attention to the changes in tongue coating and avoid long-term use of medication on your own.