Sore Tongue, White Spots
There are three diseases that can cause white spots on the human tongue. The most common is oral candidiasis or “thrush,” an infection of yeast fungi on the muscous membranes of the mouth. Far less common and more serious is leukoplakia, a disease the often affects people who use smokeless chewing tobacco. The disease may be cancerous and should be examined by a medical professional as soon as it appears. Oral lichen planus can also cause white spots on the tongue, but it is rarely cancerous.
How you can tell the difference?
Oral thrush (candidiasis) may be unsightly and uncomfortable, but it is considered a minor medical condition. Creamy white lesions on the tongue that are cause by fungi can be removed with a tongue scraper. The process may be painful and the tongue may bleed, but lesions that are caused by oral thrush can be removed. Lesions that are caused by oral lichen planus and leuokoplakia, however, cannot be removed with a simple tongue scraper.
Because it is caused when the immune system inexplicably attacks oral mucous membranes, the lesions that are the result of oral lichen planus cannot be removed manually. Doctors do not know what causes the disease. Leuokoplakia is also of idiopathic origin, but medical professionals do know the alcohol and tobacco products exacerbate the condition.
Treatment
People with oral thrush can often get rid of it by simply altering their diet. Reducing the intake of candida-producing foods is imperative. Spicy foods, sugars, and gluten can help candida spread once oral thrush has been contracted. As we mentioned, the lesions can be removed with a tongue scraper, but since it is a fungus, it can and often will reappear.
People who have white spots on their tongue due to leukoplakia or oral lichen planus should consult a doctor or dentist immediately. Though it is extremely rare, white oral lesions that cannot be removed are a possible sign of mouth cancer. If the condition is not life-threatening, both diseases can be treated with dietary changes and proper oral hygiene. Patients should stop smoking and drinking, since these behaviors will only aggravate the lesions and cause poor hygiene.
Home Remedies
Diet is the single most important consideration. As we mentioned earlier, spicy foods, tobacco, and alcohol tend to irritate any existing lesions on the tongue or in the mouth. If the white spots are open and bleeding, highly acidic foods and beverages may be painful to consume.
Salt
Many people who suffer from chronic oral thrush swear that regular table salt can be used to treat the disease. The salt can be placed directly on the tongue or the patient can use a simple salt wash.
Mouth Wash
Most cases of the diseases we have discussed today are the result of poor oral hygiene. Patients should brush, floss, and use mouthwash at least twice a day. Just make sure that the mouthwash does not contain alcohol. Alcohol can irritate lesions and make things worse.
Vegetable Glycerin
Sold at health food stores and some pharmacies, vegetable glycerin can be used to remove white spots when they are the result of oral thrush. It also whitens teeth.