White patches form when the fingerlike projection, papillae overgrow on the surface of your tongue.
The white coatings or patches are caused by bacteria, dead cells and debris that accumulate between the enlarged and sometimes inflamed papillae.
Poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, dehydration, alcohol consumption, smoking and low roughage diets are among the things that contribute to this condition, notes Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH, an internal medicine physician
Certain diseases have been reported to cause white tongues. White tongues are one of the overlooked conditions.
While it is not a life-threatening condition to some people, it could indicate that you are suffering from a particular disease.
Here are the diseases that cause white tongues:
1. Syphilis
It is a disease spread via sexual activity, caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. White tongues could indicate you are suffering from syphilis and it usually a sign of this disease.
When you have discovered your tongue is turning white, seek medical advice before the situation gets out of hand.
2. Leukoplakia
It is a condition in which white patches form on the tounge which means having white tongues is a sign of leukoplakia.
Smoking is the culprit that causes it. If not treated early, it can result in oral cancer.
3. Mouth cancer
You might be thinking it is not a serious health condition only to realise later mouth cancer has been developing in your mouth.