Spots on the tongue: what are the most common causes?
One of the main causes of spots on the tongue is dehydration: those who drink less than 2 liters of water a day can be more prone to this disorder. In some cases the spots can also appear as a consequence of a disease, but in any case there are several possible triggers of the problem. Smokers are also subject to the risk of stains on the tongue: try to quit smoking, watch this video!
Spots on the tongue: the main causes
It is often easy to notice in children and adults, spots, usually white or red, on the tongue, which characterize the so-called geographic tongue. But what can they depend on and how can their unsightly presence be remedied?
One of the most common causes of white spots on a baby's tongue is thrush (oral thrush) a disease caused by a fungus that causes creamy cottage cheese-like spots on the tongue that are difficult to brush off, and which can cause bleeding if you try. to remove them.
Another typical cause of middle-aged individuals are ulcers on the tongue and mouth, which are present in a chronic but not contagious way. Some argue that the problem can be exacerbated by stress and spicy foods.
White spots on the tongue can also be caused by syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease that mainly affects when unprotected sex is consumed.It is good to know that this disease affects not only the genital mucous membranes, but also the oral ones.
Leukoplakia is another disease that can cause spots to form on the tongue. Although it is not a serious disease, it mainly affects smokers, and can also develop with a sore throat or red spots.
Other common causes of white spots on the tongue are dehydration, alcohol abuse, or the intake of certain antibiotics. Finally, there is also a form of cancer that can manifest itself with white spots on the tongue and throughout the mouth.
See also
Why are the spots on the tongue red?
If the spots on the tongue appear red, let's see what the main reasons can be.
- deficiency of vitamins B12, B9 or folic acid
- scarlet fever
- asthma (in this case the spots are caused by the reaction of the respiratory system to allergens)
- cancer
- infections
Other reasons may then concern nutritional deficiencies, such as pellagra or anemia, sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis, burns, physical trauma, bleeding.
In all these cases, it is good to visit your doctor who will investigate the underlying causes of the problem. An effective method to put into practice immediately, especially if the cause is a lack of vitamins, is to include foods such as citrus fruits and eggs (which contain vitamin B12) in your diet, and avoid substances such as tobacco, hot, spicy, acidic foods. , salty or dried nuts, toothpastes with additives.
Spots on the tongue: what to do when they are black in color?
In some cases, the spots on the tongue may be black in color. It is a real anomaly of the language, characterized by the presence of imperfections that appear on the visible part. Initially, the spots are white, then due to the pigments contained in some substances such as coffee, cigarette smoke, dark chocolate, alcohol, they take on a black color.
The appearance of the spots on the back of the tongue is caused by bacteria capable of changing their characteristics in response to external stimulation.
First of all, it is necessary to eliminate everything that can be harmful such as: coffee, cigarettes and all pigmenting foods that can stain the area. It would be preferable to use a toothbrush or a tongue cleaner for a thorough cleaning of the whole mouth.
In general, to avoid all types of spots on the tongue, special attention must also be paid to the diet, because one of the main causes is poor nutrition. With the exception of sweets that should be avoided because they are rich in sugar, with the help of a nutritionist, it is necessary to understand the right combinations of protein foods with foods rich in carbohydrates, without ever missing vegetables, fresh and dried fruit.
How to remedy the spots on the tongue?
So let's see what can be done when the spots on the tongue appear. Regardless of the color, it would always be good to ask for a doctor's opinion, and you will also need to:
- maintaining thorough oral hygiene which will certainly help reduce the risk of stains;
- gargle with a warm physiological solution, or take anti-fungal tablets or creams (after medical advice);
- take probiotic supplements and yogurt;
- quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol;
- follow a balanced diet;
- avoid spicy foods;
- drink enough water and maintain good hydration.
If the spots persist for more than 2 weeks and are accompanied by pain in the tongue, swelling and discomfort, a thorough medical examination is the only solution.
Can tongue spots be prevented?
In addition to all the tips we have presented in the previous paragraphs, you can try to prevent the appearance of spots on the tongue in this way.
Observing good oral hygiene is the first fundamental rule: it helps prevent oral yeast infections and can help the tongue heal after an injury or illness. To keep your mouth, teeth and tongue healthy, here's what you need to do :
- brush your teeth twice a day
- floss daily
- avoid foods and foods rich in too much sugar
Spots on the tongue due to infections or canker sores are not easy to prevent, but the rules we described above also apply in this case.
Keeping your mouth clean and avoiding irritating it when you eat or brush your teeth can help heal the spots on your tongue, with the help of medications prescribed by your doctor if necessary.
Spots on the tongue: frequently asked questions
What are the diseases of the tongue?
Among the diseases of the tongue that can cause spots is glossitis, an acute inflammation characterized by a visible color change over the entire surface of the tongue. You may have difficulty chewing and swallowing. In these cases it is necessary to contact a doctor to start drug therapy.
How to remedy stains on children's tongues?
In children, the most common cause of spots on the tongue is thrush (oral candida) which forms a kind of whitish patina over the entire surface. A natural remedy to relieve discomfort is to use a wipe moistened with water and salt to be gently passed on the affected area.
Can Stress Cause Tongue Spots?
Stress could be a trigger for tongue spots. Also in this case, if you are not sure what is behind the phenomenon, it is even more important to consult a doctor.
