13 Effective Home Remedies To Treat White Coated Tongue

The tongue is one of the strongest muscles in the human body. It's also highly sensitive and plays a vital role in speaking, tasting food, and swallowing.

Interestingly, the tongue can also serve as an indicator of your overall health. A white-coated tongue, for instance, may signal an underlying issue such as oral thrush or inadequate oral hygiene.

So, what causes a white-coated tongue? Let’s find out.

A healthy tongue typically appears pink and is covered with small nodules called papillae, which give it a slightly rough texture. When the tongue turns white, it often means that food particles, bacteria, and dead cells have become trapped between inflamed papillae.

While a white tongue is usually harmless, it can sometimes be a sign of an infection or a more serious condition.

Common causes of a white-coated tongue include dehydration, poor oral hygiene, infections, dry mouth, fever, and general illness. When you're dehydrated, your mouth becomes dry, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Neglecting to brush your teeth and tongue regularly can further increase the risk.

Read on to discover natural remedies that can help treat and prevent a white-coated tongue.

# Probiotics

Probiotics support oral health by curbing the growth of harmful microbes. They help reduce tongue inflammation and prevent bacterial buildup on the tongue.

# Baking Soda

Baking soda acts as a natural exfoliant, helping to scrub away residue and buildup that cause a white-coated tongue.

# Coconut Oil Pulling

Oil pulling with coconut oil is a powerful method to eliminate bacteria from the mouth. This practice also aids in overall body detoxification.

# Sea Salt

Thanks to its natural antibacterial properties, sea salt helps cleanse the tongue and remove the white coating effectively.

# Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera possesses antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory qualities. Swishing a spoonful of aloe vera juice daily can help clear the tongue coating.

# Colloidal Silver

With its antifungal and antibacterial effects, colloidal silver can help eliminate the white film on the tongue. Mix one spoon with equal water and swish it twice a day.

# Garlic

Garlic is a natural antifungal agent and contains allicin, a compound that helps combat the root causes of white tongue.

# Oregano Oil

This essential oil has strong antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, making it effective against oral thrush—the primary cause of white tongue.

# Tongue Scraping

Regularly scraping your tongue helps remove bacteria, food debris, and dead cells, reducing the chances of developing a white coating.

# Vegetable Glycerine

A well-known remedy for white tongue, vegetable glycerine can be applied directly to the tongue. Lightly brush it with a soft toothbrush to remove dead cells.

# Turmeric

Turmeric is effective in removing tongue coating and preventing bacterial growth due to its natural antibacterial properties.

# Tea Tree Oil

Rich in antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, tea tree oil is excellent for treating tongue thrush.

# Neem

Neem is a powerful herbal remedy that eliminates yeast, bacteria, and fungi in the mouth, helping to treat white-coated tongue effectively.