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Plaque on the tongue: reasons. Video
In a healthy person, the tongue has a pale pink color, with an even, smooth surface. The tongue may have the thinnest, almost imperceptible layer of white plaque. If the plaque becomes dense, well distinguishable, especially if it changes color, this indicates various health problems. In these cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will diagnose and prescribe treatment.
Plaque on the tongue: reasons
What diseases does the color and density of plaque on the tongue indicate?
Has the white coating on the tongue become so dense that through it it is almost impossible to see the surface of the tongue itself? This can be one of the symptoms of infectious diseases that cause severe intoxication of the body, such as sore throat or flu. Also, such a plaque is often a sign of prolonged constipation in a person.
Often, white plaque occurs after treatment with antibiotics, which have a detrimental effect on the intestinal microflora. After the restoration of the normal composition of the microflora, it, as a rule, quickly disappears, the tongue becomes pale pink.
A gray dark coating on the tongue occurs in a number of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
It is most pronounced in the case of gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer. In these cases, the appearance of plaque is accompanied by inflammation of the gums at the extreme molars – 6, 7 and 8. If, in addition to the appearance of a dense gray plaque, a putrid odor from the mouth is felt on the tongue, this indicates chronic gastroenteritis. And the symptoms of acute gastroenteritis are a whitish coating on the tongue, accompanied by a metallic taste in the mouth.
A brown coating on the tongue indicates lung disease. If the tongue is covered with a yellow coating that does not disappear for 5 days or more, this is almost 100% likely to indicate liver problems. In the case when the yellow plaque has a faint greenish tint, we can talk about diseases of the gallbladder and bile ducts.
In all cases, the intensity of the color of the plaque and its density directly depend on the stage at which the disease is, how badly the organism is affected.
However, the cause of the appearance of yellow plaque on the surface of the tongue may not be related to the digestive system. For example, such plaque often occurs after smoking or drinking strong tea (coffee). In these cases, plaque can be easily removed with a regular toothbrush or plastic scraper. Or he himself disappears after a few hours.
The black color of the plaque indicates diseases of the pancreas. In this case, you need to contact a gastroenterologist for an examination.
There are also a number of “combined” color raids. For example, yellow-brown patches or brown-black patches. They also differ in the presence (or absence) of gloss and its intensity.
Only a qualified specialist can understand the reasons for the appearance of such a plaque, so you do not need to self-medicate, and even more so wait until it passes by itself, but consult a doctor
Even in the absence of plaque, an experienced doctor can recognize various diseases by the appearance of the tongue. For example, a bluish color of the tongue unmistakably indicates cardiovascular failure, redness and swelling of the right side of the tongue from tip to middle – inflammatory processes in the liver. The same signs, but on the left side of the tongue, indicate inflammation of the spleen.
A characteristic sign of food allergy in children is the so-called “geographic” tongue, where brightly colored areas of the surface alternate with whitish ones. And redness and swelling of the very tip of the tongue can be a symptom of various diseases of the pelvic region (rectum, uterus, bladder, etc.)
How to clean the tongue from plaque
Some people, who are used to brushing their teeth thoroughly, for some reason do not think that the tongue also needs cleaning. This must be done in order to remove bacteria from the surface of the tongue that can cause inflammation of the mouth and mucous membranes, and also to prevent bad breath. But if the teeth need to be brushed at least twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, it is enough to clean the tongue only in the morning.
Cleaning the tongue stimulates the production of gastric juice, which induces appetite, and before bedtime it is undesirable.
A plaque appeared on the tongue
You can clean the surface of the tongue with either a soft-bristled toothbrush or a plastic scraper. Such a scraper is best used for people with a sensitive tongue, in whom any touch to it (especially in the root area) can provoke a gag reflex.
It is necessary to choose a scraper with the most optimal dimensions and surface shape, so that its touch feels comfortable enough
Such a device can be purchased at a pharmacy.
It is necessary to clean the tongue with careful, smooth movements, without pressure, brushing with a brush or scraper from the root to the tip of the tongue. In this case, you need to stick out your tongue as much as possible and breathe through your nose.
In any case, at the first signs of plaque, it is better to consult a specialist, and not try to diagnose the body on your own. And even more so, do not try to cure a contrived disease at home.
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