From what the language is yellow. Plaque of white and yellow on the tongue: what it means, the reasons. Regular use or abuse of certain oral medications

The tongue is the mirror of the digestive tract. The appearance of its mucous membrane reflects the work of all parts of the gastrointestinal system. The condition of any organ involved in the digestion of food can change the color and texture of the tongue's surface.

In a healthy person, the formation of a light, translucent plaque on the tongue is considered quite normal, since food particles are easily retained on the papillae of the tongue, in which bacteria are actively multiplying.

But if the color of such plaque becomes different from whitish (except in cases of staining with food, food dyes), for example, a yellow coating appears on the tongue, the reasons can be very serious and require a visit to a doctor.

Why is there a plaque on the tongue?

The covering layer of the tongue is a mucous membrane covered with taste buds. The epithelium of the mucous membrane can grow, thicken and exfoliate profusely, forming a plaque. This is facilitated by:

inflammatory changes in the tongue
inflammation of the underlying gastrointestinal system
irritation of the tongue with high temperatures, chemical or mechanical factors

Yellow coating on the tongue

It is very easy to determine that food products served as the cause of the staining of the tongue - plaque appears after eating, is easily brushed off and does not form anymore.

Liver pathology

Most often, yellow plaque of the tongue is caused by pathologies of the liver and intrahepatic bile ducts. In this case, the exchange of bile pigments (bilirubin) suffers. Because of this, the mucous membrane of the tongue, along with other soft tissues, turns yellowish. This condition is called hepatic or parenchymal jaundice. It is caused by the following diseases:

Hepatitis - inflammation of the liver of a viral, toxic or alcoholic nature

In this case, liver cells are damaged, and the binding of direct bilirubin, which is toxic to the body, is disrupted. Bile pigment penetrates the bloodstream, stains urine in the color of beer. The patient is worried about weakness, weakness, decreased performance. Pain appears in the right hypochondrium associated with stretching of the enlarged liver capsule. Jaundice also appears: the whites of the eyes, the tongue and its frenulum, and the skin are stained. The shade of jaundice is closer to lemon.

characterized by the death of liver cells and restructuring of the liver with the formation of nodes

In this case, the structure of the liver tissue is restored incorrectly, the nodes squeeze the hepatic bile ducts, the production and outflow of bile is disrupted. The detoxification function of the liver is also impaired. The products of protein metabolism are directly absorbed into the bloodstream and poison the nervous system. In addition to an enlarged, and in the later stages of a reduced liver, jaundice with dark yellow staining of the skin and tongue, dull pain in the right hypochondrium, the patient is worried about itching, sleep disorders, and memory impairments.

Primary hepatocellular carcinoma is not very common. More often the liver is affected by metastases of tumors of the mammary and pancreas, lungs, rectum.

Lesions of the pathways that excrete bile

This inflammation of the gallbladder, cholelithiasis, tumors of the common bile duct and Vater's nipple can cause a mechanical version of jaundice. In this case, the outflow of bile is impeded due to the narrowing of the lumen of the pathways along which it is transported. The skin, mucous membranes, sclera become yellow with a greenish tint. Also, the coating on the tongue is yellow-green.

Patients complain of constant or intermittent pain, bouts of nausea and vomiting of bile. Body temperature may also rise. Often such conditions are provoked by fatty foods, shaking riding or physical work.

Suprahepatic jaundice

A yellow tongue also occurs with suprahepatic jaundice, the cause of which is the excessive formation of bilirubin, which does not have time to remove the body.

Increased breakdown of erythrocytes in the bloodstream (hemolysis) with acquired or congenital hemolytic anemias (microspherocytic, thalassemia, sickle cell anemia).
With inadequate synthesis of erythrocytes (B-12 deficiency anemia, erythropoietic uroporphyria).
As a result of extensive external or internal bruising, with heart attacks of internal organs (lungs).
In case of poisoning with hydrocarbons, trinitrotoluene, phosphorus, arsenic, hydrogen sulfide.
When taking and overdoses of sulfonamides (see).

Other causes of yellow plaque

Diseases of the stomach

In case of gastric ulcer and 12 intestine ulcer or chronic gastritis (see,), combined with the throwing of bile into the stomach, the tongue is coated with a yellow coating. Patients are worried about fasting sucking pains in the epigastric region, including night and early morning, nausea, episodes of vomiting, heartburn and sour eructations.

Hypomotor biliary dyskinesia

in which a sluggish bile duct or a bladder does not provide the proper rate of evacuation of bile, it is also fraught with yellowness of the tongue. This symptom begins to manifest itself clearly in cases when the diet is disturbed, and the patient takes products that increase the production of bile by the liver (fatty meat, alcohol, animal fats).

Duodeno-gastric reflux

that is, by throwing the contents of the duodenum into the stomach in case of insufficiency of the obturator muscle of the outlet of the stomach, a yellow tongue is also provoked. This condition is facilitated by: inflammation of the duodenum (chronic duodenitis), trauma, hernia, tumors due to mechanical compression, fetal pressure during pregnancy, the use of antispasmodics or muscle relaxants (due to a decrease in the tone of the obturator muscle), dissection of the pylorus during surgical intervention. Yellow plaque will be combined with nausea, heartburn, episodes of vomiting of bile, dull pain in the right half of the epigastric region.

Acute pancreatitis

or exacerbations of chronic inflammation of the pancreas can trigger a reactive process in the biliary tract or are primarily associated with impaired bile outflow. Moreover, in addition to the girdle pain in the epigastric. Which are given in the back. Nausea, vomiting will be observed. Accordingly, the tongue will react with the formation of plaque (see).

Acute intestinal infections

Salmonella, yersiniosis, paratyphoid, dysentery, enteroviral gastroenterocolitis are accompanied by pain in the epigastrium, nausea, vomiting, frequent loose stools (see). The more often vomiting and diarrhea, the more dehydration, the drier the tongue and thicker the yellowish coating on it. Staphylococcal toxicoinfections are also accompanied by similar symptoms and a mandatory rise in temperature in response to the action of staphylococcal toxins.

Any acute respiratory illness

Even a simple high-temperature respiratory infection can cause plaque on the tongue. The higher the temperature during infection or inflammation, the thicker and darker the plaque.

Taking certain medications

When taking medications such as acriquine or digitalis preparations (cardiac glycosides), the tongue may also turn yellowish. By the way, cardiac glycosides also change color perception. It is with their use that the abundance of yellow in the paintings of Van Gogh is associated, who took foxglove for epilepsy in monstrous dosages.

Inflammation of the tongue

Inflammation of the tongue - glossitis, bacterial (staphylococcal) or fungal (candidal) nature can also be accompanied by changes in the color of the tongue. At the same time, there is a pronounced white-yellow coating on the tongue. It can be combined with ulcers (aphthous stomatitis), erosion or profuse sloughing of the epithelium (desquamation glossitis).

Brown coating on the tongue

Often, patients also have the question of why the tongue is coated with a brown coating. The reasons for this condition also lie in the increased desquamation of the epithelium of the tongue, colored with various pigments.

The smoker's tongue often turns brown. The epidermis of such a tongue is often simply impregnated with the tar contained in cigarettes. In addition, there is a type of hypertrophic glossitis called “hairy tongue”. It is also found primarily in smokers. In this case, the taste buds of the posterior third of the lingual surface grow to the size of villi, while a yellow-brown bloom is observed.
The reasons for brown plaque in the morning can also lie in an addiction to coffee or strong tea, the tannin of which stains the epithelium of the tongue. Cola, dark chocolate can also lead to a similar coloration.
Iodine-containing drugs (, Faringosept,), potassium permanganate, malavit, some antibiotics and cytostatics also cause brown plaque.
Severe dehydration, severe intoxication (infectious diseases, poisoning), as well as hyperplasia of the filiform papillae occurs, which gives the tongue a brown or even black color.
Diabetic coma, pellagra can be the culprit in this situation.
Brown plaque on the teeth and tongue can be with Addison crisis due to iron deficiency and the development of hemolysis.

Yellow plaque on the tongue of a child

Children, as a rule, are prone to the same problems with the gastrointestinal tract, the hematopoietic system and metabolic disorders as adults. However, if the child has a yellow plaque on the tongue, you should first exclude simple food or household reasons:

With the introduction of vegetable complementary foods or cereals in a child under one year old, a thin layer of yellow plaque may remain on the tongue after eating (see).
A child's diet may contain too many carrots, which contain carotene, which stains the skin, sclera and tongue, as well as apricots, persimmons, pumpkin, and curry.
The child could lick a felt-tip pen or yellow watercolor paint, the field of which the plaque remained not only on the tongue.
Addiction to caramels, chewing gum or soda containing dyes also causes the tongue to become covered with a yellow coating.

If we consider pathological causes, then for babies in the first month of life, hemolytic disease of the newborn becomes the most urgent cause. This is a consequence of the spontaneous breakdown of red blood cells in the bloodstream of the infant, which can begin even in utero as a result of Rh or group conflict with the mother's blood.

In this case, the baby develops jaundice, an enlarged liver, an increase in the level of blood bilirubin. Because unbound bilirubin is toxic to the nervous system, damage to the cortex (kernicterus) may occur. It is important to consult a pediatrician in a timely manner, who can distinguish the physiological jaundice of a newborn from hemolytic disease. In any case, it is advisable to more often apply it to the chest and supplement with glucose solutions.

For older age groups in the first place are various hypomotor dyskinesias of the biliary tract. It is important to examine the child in a timely manner by a gastroenterologist, to adjust his diet and drinking loads. It is important to be aware of the high risks of giardiasis among young children who often play with sand, share toys, and often put unwashed hands in their mouths. With massive infection with lamblia, it is possible for them to block the bile ducts (see)

The third most common cause of yellow tongue in children is dehydration during infectious processes, hematological problems and the use of drugs. In any case, the appearance of a yellow plaque on the child's tongue is a reason to visit a pediatrician.

Treatment

The doctor can competently answer the questions why there is a yellow coating on the tongue in the morning, why the yellow coating is not washed off during the day, or why the tongue has acquired a brown tint. Any case requires an individual approach, a certain amount of information about what preceded the appearance of a plaque, an in-person examination of the patient. Also, clinical or biochemical studies of blood, urine and feces, ultrasound of the abdominal organs may be required.

When choosing treatment tactics, they proceed from the main diagnosis, which led to the appearance of yellow or brown plaque on the tongue.

It is worth talking about the leading groups of drugs that are used to treat the main conditions that cause yellowing of the tongue.

Choleretic agents are used for pathologies accompanied by a slowdown in the secretion and outflow of bile:
- Choleretics increase the flow of bile, prevent the precipitation of cholesterol salts and stone formation - cholenzyme, allochol, vigeratin, chologon, lyobil, decholin, corn silk, berberine, flacumin, nicodine, oxafenamide, odeston.
- Cholekinetics increase the contractility of the gallbladder - cholecystokinin, magnesia, choleretin, mannitol, sorbitol. Or they work as antispasmodics - drotaverine, atropine, duspatalin.

Hepatoprotective agents restore liver cells at the chemical or cellular levels. Silymarin (), Karsil, Legalon, Silymar, Liv-52, Sirepar, Hepatosan, Esliver, Essentiale, Phosphogliv, Ornithine oxoglurate, Heptral, Ursosan, Ursofalk (see details about)
Antiviral, effective for viral hepatitis: velferon, roferonA, reaferon, intron.
Antibiotics of the groups of tetracyclines, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, macrolides are used for inflammation of the biliary tract and stomatitis of a bacterial nature (see).
- mycosyst, griseofulvin, fluconazole are used in the treatment of candidiasis of the tongue.
Central dopamine blockers (metoclopramide, raglan, cerucal) normalize gastrointestinal motility, are used for duodeno-gastric reflux.
Solutions of electrolytes and glucose are used for dehydration and to relieve intoxication in infectious diseases or poisoning.
Adsorbents (activated carbon, Polyphepan, Enterosgel,) are used to bind and remove poisons, drugs, bile acids.
Vitamin B12 preparations, erythropoietins, blood substitutes are used to stop the manifestation of anemia.

The tongue of each person is periodically covered with a bloom, especially in the morning. This is a normal physiological phenomenon associated with the multiplication of bacteria. Which, by the way, live on the mucous membranes all the time.

"Healthy" layers have a translucent whitish color and cover the muscular organ with a thin layer. If the plaque in the language of an adult or a child has acquired a yellow tint, then the reason for its formation lies in the pathological state of the gastrointestinal tract or other organs and systems.

Why does a yellow coating appear on the tongue of an adult

The surface of the tongue is lined with a mucous membrane, which is covered with taste buds. The epithelium of tissues can thicken, grow, slough off and form a yellow coating on the tongue, an example of which is shown in the photo.

The layering consists not only of dead cells and the tops of the taste buds. They include bacteria and waste products, fibrin and leukocytes. Therefore, the accumulation of plaque is accompanied by the formation of bad breath.

Liver disease

The most common reason for the appearance of a yellow plaque on the tongue is a pathological process that can occur either in the liver or in the intrahepatic bile ducts. The main blow falls on the exchange of bilirubin - a pigment. Therefore, the mucous membranes of the mouth acquire a straw tint. This condition is called parenchymal or hepatic jaundice. It develops against the background of the following diseases:

Hepatitis. The liver can become inflamed when exposed to viruses, alcohol, or toxic substances. Due to the damage to the cells of the digestive gland, the process of binding of bilirubin, which is extremely harmful to the body, is disrupted. The pigment enters the bloodstream and then into the urine, which begins to turn yellow. Among the main symptoms of hepatitis are weakness, weakness, poor performance, yellowing of the whites of the eyes, the root of the tongue, and the skin. Often, especially in the morning, the area under the ribs on the right side begins to hurt.
... The disease is accompanied by the death of cells of the digestive gland and the formation of nodes that press on the bile ducts and disrupt the outflow of bile, the pigments of which stain the tongue. For the initial stages of the disease, an increase in the organ is characteristic, and for the later stages, a decrease. Metabolic products are absorbed directly into the bloodstream and poison the nervous system. Symptoms of the disease are: dark yellow staining of the root of the tongue, pain in the right side, itching, insomnia, memory problems, a bitter taste in the mouth.

Yellowness on the tongue appears due to exacerbation of ailments that affect the biliary tract and lead to jaundice. These include:

Cholelithiasis.
Vater's nipple.
Tumor of the bile duct.
Inflammation of the gallbladder.

With all these pathologies, the lumen of the channels through which bile passes is narrowed. As a result, its outflow is difficult, which is accompanied by the following symptoms:

Constant or recurrent pain.
Bitterness in the mouth.
Vomiting and nausea.
Increase in body temperature.
Staining of mucous membranes in yellow-green color.

Usually, pathological conditions appear after heavy physical exertion or the consumption of fatty foods.

Adrenal jaundice

A yellow tongue may indicate adrenal jaundice. The disease manifests itself due to the formation of excessive doses of bilirubin. This condition occurs due to the following violations:

Inadequate synthesis of red blood cells or their increased decay against the background of hemolytic anemia - a pathology in which the duration of the existence of red blood cells is greatly reduced.
The formation of extensive bruising with heart attacks of internal organs.
Poisoning with hydrogen sulfide, hydrocarbon, phosphorus and / or other chemical compounds.
The entry into the blood of large doses of sulfonamides.

Diseases of the digestive tract

The cause of the formation of a yellow plaque on the tongue can be a stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer or chronic gastritis. Since these pathologies provoke the reflux of bile into the stomach.

With an exacerbation of the disease, sucking spasms appear in patients, similar to the feeling of hunger. Nausea, vomiting, belching, heartburn, bitter taste, unpleasant odor are observed.

A white-yellow coating on the tongue may appear for other reasons:

Why is there a yellow coating on the tongue: commonplace reasons

Changes in the color of the tongue are associated with inflammation. For example, white cheesy layers indicate the development of a fungal infection. With glossitis, the organ becomes red, edematous, covered with ulcers and erosions. Infection of the mucous membrane with microbes occurs for various reasons. But the most common are poor oral care and dental diseases.

A white or yellow coating on the mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue may also indicate a cold. True, the basis for such a diagnosis will be completely different symptoms: high fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, dehydration.

Some drugs, for example, Furazolidone, Akrikhin, cardiac glycosides or drugs for epilepsy, can stain the muscular organ in a yellowish tint. But such a plaque is quickly peeled off.

A yellow tongue can also indicate very commonplace defects:

Resin sedimentation due to smoking.
Insufficient oral care.
Frequent consumption of fatty or very heavy foods.
Accumulation of toxins in the body.
Coloration of the mucous membrane due to excessive consumption of persimmons, tea, carrots, pumpkins, peaches, mangoes, soda with dye.

Why does the child's tongue turn yellow

The yellowness of a child's tongue rarely indicates a serious illness. First, it is worth excluding food and household reasons for its appearance. These include:

Introduction of the first or new complementary foods.
Acceptance of coloring products.
Addiction to sweets and other sweets, drinks with dyes.
The habit of pulling felt-tip pens, gouache, colored pencils into your mouth.

Pathological conditions, due to which the child's tongue may turn yellow, include:

Diagnostic methods

Treatment of yellow plaque in the tongue in adults should begin with eliminating the cause, not the symptom. Only the attending physician is able to establish a diagnosis, since this manifestation is not characterized by specificity for various diseases.

First you need to consult a therapist. And he will send you to the right doctor - a gastroenterologist or dentist. After the examination, you should pass a number of laboratory tests and undergo additional examinations, which may include:

General analysis of urine, blood, feces.
Biochemical analysis, which is done to identify the average values of glucose, ALT, bilirubin, creatinine, urea and other important indicators.
Ultrasound of the gastrointestinal tract.

Treatment methods

Treatment tactics depend on the diagnosis, due to which a yellow plaque formed on the tongue. The following drugs may be prescribed:

Before using any medication, you should consult your doctor..

Folk remedies for plaque

To get rid of yellowness on the tongue, you can make decoctions of medicinal herbs and rinse your mouth with them. Most effective in this regard:

Mint.
Chamomile.
Flax seeds.
Oak bark.

Take 2 tbsp. l. any pharmacy plant, fill in 200 ml. boiling water and boil for about 15 minutes. Let the mixture sit for half an hour and strain.

If there are no herbs at hand, you can make an ordinary soda solution. It will not only help cleanse the tongue of deposits, but also reduce the number of microbes that inhabit it. The recipe is simple: mix 2 tbsp. l. soda with 200 ml. warm water and stir the mixture thoroughly.

It will not be possible to get rid of plaque only with the help of folk remedies.... Remember to brush your teeth in the morning and evening, use antiseptic drugs, eat well, and visit your dentist at least once a year. And then you don't have to figure out what the yellow coating on the tongue means.

The tongue is a kind of mirror that reflects the work of the entire gastrointestinal tract. By the appearance of its mucous membrane, it is possible to determine the state of any organ of the digestive system. A yellow coating on the tongue is a fairly common occurrence that occurs for various reasons. In some cases, this indicates the presence of serious health problems, and sometimes it is simply considered a physiological norm.

In a perfectly healthy person, the color of the tongue is pink, the surface is slightly bumpy and soft. From time to time, the mucous membrane of this organ may become covered with a loose layer. A yellowish coating on the tongue, as well as a change in the structure of its surface, should alert you. With these symptoms, it is best to see a doctor in order to avoid complications in the future. Only timely treatment of the disease will help stop the negative consequences.

Yellow bloom as the norm

A light translucent coating on the tongue is considered quite normal for a healthy body. If you notice a white and yellow coating on your tongue in the morning, this is not an anomaly. This is due to the fact that during the night's sleep, numerous bacteria in the oral cavity do not sleep, but continue to actively feed. For example, staphylococci that live in the mucous membrane of the pharynx and larynx produce so-called yellow carotenoid pigments.

The appearance of plaque and during the day is due to various reasons. First of all, this is due to the retention of food particles in the tongue, where microorganisms of the oral cavity multiply at a rapid rate. By brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth, you can easily get rid of the discomfort.

Plaque will also be natural after the use of some products containing dyes. These include sweets, juices, carrots, red beets and citrus fruits. Heavy smokers and strong coffee and tea lovers will also suffer from discoloration of the tongue.

In the hot season, with strong thirst, a dry tongue may become covered with a yellow bloom, which will quickly disappear after taking the required amount of liquid. Taking medications will not be an exception, as a result of which an unpleasant layer may appear. But don't despair. It has been clinically proven that all symptoms will disappear quickly enough after the drug is discontinued.

Plaque formation is a warning sign

In most cases, in addition to the above, the formation of a yellow surface layer in the language of an adult and an elderly person should alert the attending physician. This fact informs about the beginning of the development of pathological processes in the body.

Before seeking specialized medical advice, the following plaque parameters should be assessed:

Thickness. A change in the layer is a sign of the onset of the disease.
Density. If the layer is not cleaned off with special improvised means, it is difficult to remove, then you must definitely go to the doctor.
Duration... If the symptom does not disappear on its own within a few days, and bad breath is also observed, this indicates a malfunction of some internal organs.
Colour . The rich hue on the tongue is no joke.

The presence of the above signs is a dangerous signal that requires immediate action.

Causes of plaque in children

A yellow coating on the tongue of a child can mean problems with the digestive tract, circulatory system, metabolism, or have a nutritional nature. On the recommendation of Komarovsky, parents first need to observe the condition of their baby, pay attention to his appetite, sleep, reaction and skin color.

So, plaque in the tongue of a child or adolescent is formed for various reasons and is a serious reason for visiting a doctor.

Plaque formation in adults

The presence of any changes in the language helps to recognize the existing problem in the body in time. Yellow plaque on the tongue in adults occurs for various reasons. Only after the examination can the doctor determine the ailment that contributes to the formation of the upper layer on the tongue.

At the initial stage of the disease, plaque is observed, as a rule, of small thickness, but a thick layer already indicates an exacerbation of chronic diseases or the presence of an infection in the body. A yellow-brown tint of the tongue can indicate diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, and even alcoholism.

Liver pathology

Liver damage is the main cause of yellowness on the tongue. This is due to a violation of the metabolism of bilirubin, as a result of which the mucous membrane of the tongue and other soft tissues of a person acquire a yellow tint. This condition is called parenchymal jaundice. It is triggered by the following diseases:

Hepatitis. Inflammation and damage to liver cells occurs due to viruses and toxic substances. The patient is weakened, his performance decreases and aching pain appears in the right hypochondrium. The mechanism of bilirubin binding is disrupted, so the yellow pigment enters the blood. The skin, whites of the eyes, tongue and its frenulum turn yellow.
Cirrhosis of the liver. With such a disease, liver cells die and nodes are formed, and the structure of the liver tissue is incorrectly restored. This suggests that this organ can no longer perform its detoxification function.

Damage to the biliary tract

Obstructive jaundice can appear as a result of inflammation of the gallbladder, the presence of stones in it, the formation of a tumor in the bile duct. In this case, stagnation of bile occurs, since the lumen of the pathways narrows and its outflow is difficult.

As a result, the skin, mucous membranes, sclera and plaque on the tongue become yellow-green in color. The patient feels bitterness in the mouth, the stomach begins to ache, attacks of nausea and vomiting of bile appear.

Adrenal jaundice

This condition is characterized by increased secretion of bilirubin in the bloodstream, which the body does not have time to excrete. The breakdown of erythrocytes increases, and their synthesis is defective. The current situation is caused by an overdose of sulfonamides, incomplete synthesis of red blood cells.

As a result, the body is poisoned with hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulfide, phosphorus and other substances.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

The appearance of a yellow plaque on the tongue in adults due to disruption of the digestive tract requires special attention. In order to avoid deteriorating health, the signs and symptoms of the following diseases cannot be ignored:

Stomach and duodenal ulcers... The patient is worried about dull pain in the epigastric region, heartburn, nausea, belching of the acidic content of the stomach. In such cases, the tongue is coated with a yellow coating.
Chronic gastritis... This ailment is accompanied by aching pains, heaviness in the abdomen after eating, stool disturbance, flatulence, belching of air or sour.
Duodeno-gastric reflux... The contents of the duodenum are thrown into the gastric space due to the weakening of the obturator muscle of the outlet of the stomach. The yellow superficial layer of the tongue is combined with heartburn, vomiting, diffuse pain in the right lobe of the epigastric region.
Acute pancreatitis... This is an exacerbation of chronic inflammation of the pancreas. There are acute pains radiating to the back, the smell of acetone from the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, the formation of a gray-yellow plaque on the tongue.

Other reasons for the formation of yellow plaque

Experts identify other reasons for the formation of yellow plaque. These include:

Inflammation of the tongue... It is triggered by a bacterial or fungal infection. The clinical picture of the manifestation of the disease is accompanied by a change in the color of the tongue with a pronounced yellow top layer, as well as the formation of ulcers and erosions. Dystrophic lesion of the mucous membrane as a result of uneven detachment of the epithelium is characteristic of desquamative glossitis. Painful expressions in the tongue and throughout the mouth are signs of stomatitis.
Xerostomia. It is characterized by insufficient salivation and severe dryness of the oral mucosa. The patient experiences dry mouth and throat, burning of the tongue, malocclusion. Difficulty chewing and swallowing food.
Pharyngitis and chronic tonsillitis... In such cases, a gray-yellow plaque and inflammation of the tonsils caused by the focus of infection are inevitable.
Dental problems of any kind.
Acute diseases of the respiratory system... A viral or respiratory bacterial infection is accompanied by a high fever. In this case, the tongue can also be covered with a dense yellow coating.
Taking some medications... The tongue turns yellow and swells while taking certain medications, for example, acriquine, furazolidone, enterofuril.

Diagnostics and treatment

Only a doctor can give a competent answer to the question of why the tongue is covered with an indelible yellow coating. Even the most experienced specialist will not immediately determine the specific cause of the presented changes, based solely on the results of an external examination of the oral cavity.

This is due to the fact that this manifestation in various diseases does not have any specific features. Therefore, the doctor must conduct a complete examination of the patient. Then he detects the presence of accompanying signs and prescribes additional examinations. Each case individually requires an individual approach.

The therapist, pediatrician or gastroenterologist refers the patient to additional diagnostics, which includes:

clinical and biochemical blood tests;
Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
endoscopic examinations;
duodenal intubation.

Based on the results of the examination, the doctor determines the disease and develops a treatment plan. Depending on the diagnosis, the following drugs are prescribed:

choleretic;
antibiotics;
antiviral;
antimicrobial;
absorbents;
vitamins;
hepatoprotectors;
antacid.

Disease therapy is carried out in a comprehensive manner. In addition to taking medications, doctors recommend following the diet, adhering to the prescribed diet in cases of gastrointestinal tract disruption, getting rid of bad habits and leading a healthy lifestyle. If you correctly follow all the recommendations of a specialist, you can recover and forget about this symptom.

Preventive measures and folk remedies

Preventive measures play an important role in this matter. First of all, you should pay attention to oral hygiene procedures. It is advisable to clean the tongue 2 times a day - in the morning and in the evening. It is necessary to revise your diet, remove too spicy, fatty, spicy foods and smoked meats from it.

It is recommended to eat at least three to four times a day, in small portions, chewing food thoroughly. Dishes should not be too hot or cold. In addition, it is important to drink more liquids: compotes, teas, clean water and juices.

For prevention purposes, the doctor may prescribe you a ten-day course of mineral water intake, which is consumed in 30 minutes. before meals. The most popular trade marks here are the mineral water Essentuki, Borjomi and Narzan.

Among the folk remedies for combating yellow plaque are:

a decoction of chamomile and mint, used to rinse and disinfect the oral cavity;
flax seed infusion, which normalizes the digestive system;
a decoction of oak bark, which relieves inflammation;
sage decoction, which has an antiseptic, bactericidal and healing effect.

But still, do not expect long-term results from these folk remedies, because the main cause of the plaque has not yet been eliminated.

A tongue with a yellow coating is a signal from your body about a malfunction of the internal organs. Its appearance is a symptom of many serious diseases. Therefore, we recommend that you pay attention to this "call" and immediately consult a doctor.

classmates

The human language is a kind of litmus test of the state of health of the whole organism. Normally, a healthy person should have a tongue without plaque, but this, ideally, is rare today. If the tongue is coated with bloom, you should not worry about this in only two cases.

After meal. Eating foods such as strong tea, black coffee, red wine, blueberries, beets causes temporary staining of the tongue and an unnatural plaque on it, but both phenomena go away on their own and do not harm health.

After the night. Constant plaque on the tongue in the morning is the norm. At night, the bacteria that live in the mouth multiply actively, leaving traces of their vital activity. A careful morning toilet will put everything in its place.

Tongue care kit from miradent.

And if it's a disease?

A strong plaque on the tongue and bad breath are already a reason to be wary. An experienced doctor will determine which disease is a plaque in the tongue by comparing the degree of deposition density, color and location.

Glossitis

One of the typical diseases characterized by plaque on the tongue is glossitis - inflammation of the tongue caused by trauma or is infectious in nature. With glossitis, red spots appear on the tongue, because of this, the disease is sometimes also called "geographical language". Read more in the article.

Gastritis

If the mouth is sour and there is a plaque on the tongue, this is a sign of inflammation of the stomach lining. Plaque usually disappears with diet.

Thrush

With thrush, the plaque is located under the tongue. It is unevenly distributed and has the character of spots.

Chlamydia

In chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease, as a result of a malfunction in the immune system after an attack of chlamydia, a thick, sticky coating appears on the palate and tongue.

Bronchitis and pneumonia

Plaque on the side along the edges of the tongue will tell about the disease of the upper respiratory tract. In most cases, it is whitish, easily removed when brushing teeth and tongue, but also quickly and returns to its original place.

Alcoholism

Plaque on the tongue after alcohol abuse is common. The people speak about it figuratively: "It's like cats have shit in your mouth." However, in chronic alcoholics, the dark brown plaque never goes away and is localized at the root of the tongue.

Cancer

If the tongue is coated with plaque, it is impossible to say with certainty about the presence of a specific type of cancer. But it is this symptom, coupled with a number of other characteristics, that indicates a complication of an oncological disease (for example, a malignant tumor in the lungs).

A plaque on the tongue of a pregnant woman, with rare exceptions, is not a sign of illness - it is the result of a change in hormonal levels.

The main causes of plaque

Infection. The main cause of plaque on the tongue in adults is infectious diseases, characterized by an uncontrolled process of reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.

Violation of the immune system. When the protective barrier of the body cracks, it serves as a catalyst for the activation of the activity of pathogenic bacteria, which usually occurs against the background of an increase in body temperature.

Pathology of the gastrointestinal tract. Various chronic ailments of the gastrointestinal tract caused by Helicobacter. Plaque on the tongue with gastritis, if left untreated, becomes denser over time and provokes bad breath. A clear sign of enterocolitis is considered in adults a plaque on the root of the tongue.

Side effect of medications. Plaque on the tongue after antibiotic treatment is common. Medicines, including substances that inhibit the growth of certain pathogenic bacteria, negatively affect the acid-base balance in the mouth, which entails an increase in the number of microorganisms "responsible" for the appearance of plaque.

The effects of nicotine. If you are a smoker "with experience", then you should not be surprised at a plaque on the tongue of a gray or yellow hue. Nicotine abuse has a detrimental effect on the microflora of the body in general and the oral cavity in particular.

Attention!

Helminthic invasions, such as giardiasis, also serve as a provoking factor for the appearance of plaque on the tongue. For differential diagnosis in this situation, it is necessary to pass an analysis of feces for helminth eggs.

What the color of the plaque will tell

White

As we have already said, a thin mucous coating on the tongue after sleep, white, is not a deviation from the norm. A white coating of increased density indicates constipation, and a curdled coating on the tongue indicates the unhealthy activity of yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida.

Yellow

A bright yellow plaque on the tip of the tongue indicates hepatitis A (Botkin's disease). With problems in the work of the gallbladder, a yellowish coating and cracks appear on the tongue.

Dark

A dark coating on the tongue is a sign that something is wrong with the lungs. Absolutely black color of plaque is not often found: for example, with an advanced stage of cholera due to dehydration of the body or with Crohn's disease.

What to do?

How to remove plaque from the tongue? To begin with, it is necessary to establish exactly the reason why plaque occurs, and to treat the underlying disease, following the doctor's prescriptions. For prophylactic purposes, in order to minimize the amount and density of plaque, it is necessary to follow simple rules of personal hygiene:

brush your teeth in the morning and before bedtime with toothpaste and a brush with a pad to cleanse the tongue;

use an antibacterial mouthwash;

use a special spoon for cleaning the tongue, following from its periphery to the front surface.

For a detailed article on how and how to properly cleanse the tongue from plaque, read a separate article.

Forget or cure?

As you can see, the reasons for plaque in the language and the consequences of its occurrence can be different. Yes, this is not fatal, but it is very unpleasant and indicates the health problems of the body as a whole. Therefore, it is extremely important during daily hygiene to pay sufficient attention to the tongue, and when the first signs of plaque appear on it, consult a doctor in a timely manner.

If you follow all the rules of care, and a dense plaque on the tongue persists for more than 3 days, seek help from a doctor!

Normally, a person's tongue is pale pink, rough, velvety with clearly contoured papillae.

A small white plaque on the tongue is allowed, the causes and treatment of which do not need to be sought, since this is a variant of the physiological norm. Most often it appears after sleep, especially in winter, in conditions of heating and low humidity in the room.

The characteristic signs of physiological plaque, which make it possible to distinguish it from pathology, are:

lack of any smell;
white or slightly yellowish;
transparent;
there is no inflammation of the mucous membrane of the tongue;
papillae are not changed;
easy to remove.

The causes of physiological plaque in the tongue

Fluid deficiency under conditions of increased perspiration is one of the main causes of plaque formation. This explains the fact that plaque is usually thicker in summer. That is, in hot weather, water evaporates from the body faster, which leads to slight dehydration. This does not affect the general well-being, but the saliva becomes thicker and the organic elements contained in it create a characteristic white coating.

Also, in addition to the above reason, an important role is assigned to the saprophytic microflora living in the oral cavity. With insufficient hygiene, it can actively multiply, covering the mucous membranes with plaque.

A special place is given to microscopic fungi of the genus Candida, although, under conditions of normal immunity, their massive growth is not possible, therefore, they, nevertheless, will be considered in the section of diseases.

The question of whether it is necessary to clean the tongue from plaque remains debated. Since the physiological plaque that occurs in the oral cavity after sleep must be removed naturally, while taking solid food and liquids. If, however, it persists throughout the day, it is worth considering whether it is a symptom of any disease.

Plaque on the tongue

Why is there a white coating on the tongue:

diseases of the oral cavity;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
liver pathology;
kidney disease;
endocrine pathology;
infectious diseases;

Diseases of the oral cavity

Oral candidiasis is the most common opportunistic disease caused by the activation and massive growth of microscopic fungi of the genus Candida on the mucous membrane of the cheeks, tongue, gums, posterior pharyngeal wall, tonsils.

The cause of the disease is conditions accompanied by immunodeficiency:

massive antibiotic therapy;
severe somatic diseases;
seasonal immunodeficiencies.

Also, the presence of caries, periodontitis, wearing removable dentures predisposes to candidiasis.

There are four forms of oropharyngeal candidiasis:

Pseudomembranous.
Atrophic.
Hyperplastic.
Erosive and ulcerative.

The pseudomembranous form begins with the appearance of small dotted deposits, which then merge into a continuous curdled film, resembling curdled milk. As a rule, candidal foci are easily removed with a spatula, leaving behind zones of hyperemia.

Plaque may not be continuous, but consist of individual plaques against the background of an inflamed mucosa.

The affected areas are often painless, but when a bacterial infection is attached, erosions and superficial ulcers may appear. In these cases, the plaque changes its color from white to brownish-brown, which is due to its impregnation with blood components.

It should be noted that the pseudomembranous form is one of the main causes of white plaque on the tongue in a child.

The atrophic form can develop as a consequence of the transferred pseudomembranous candidiasis, and in the form of an independent disease.

The tongue is most often affected, the epithelium is exfoliated from it, the mucous membrane becomes dark red, the papillae are smoothed out.

Patients are worried about itching, burning, pain, dryness in the mouth. There is bleeding and slight trauma to the mucous membrane when eating.

The hyperplastic form is a common cause of white plaque on the tongue in an adult, as it is characteristic of smokers. At the same time, foci in the form of white spots and plaques with a hyperemic corolla along the periphery are formed on the cheeks and tongue. There are no unpleasant sensations with this form of candidiasis, the disease can persist for a long time in the oral cavity, leading in 20% of cases to malignant neoplasms.

The erosive and ulcerative form is extremely rare, mainly in persons with severe immunodeficiencies.

This is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the tongue, which can occur both in the form of a separate disease, and as a symptom of various systemic pathologies, for example, pernicious anemia.

As a separate disease, glossitis occurs when the mucous membrane of the tongue is exposed to traumatic agents (for example, hot liquids) and the attachment of pathogenic or opportunistic flora.

Clinically, the disease is manifested by edema, soreness, flattening of the folds and papillae of the tongue. Depending on the type of flora that caused the disease, there may be white, brown, brown, yellow, white-yellow plaque on the tongue. Ulcers and erosion can form on the mucous membrane, which, upon contact, begin to bleed easily.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Esophagitis

These are various due to (gastroesophageal reflux, chemical and thermal burns of the esophageal mucosa, infectious diseases), inflammatory lesions of the esophageal mucosa.

Clinically, the disease is manifested by heartburn, belching of acidic contents and air, chest pain, nocturnal attacks of laryngospasm. The tongue with esophagitis is coated with a thick yellow coating, due to the throwing of gastric contents into the oral cavity.

Gastritis

This is a collective term for inflammatory or dystrophic lesions of the gastric mucosa.

There are two forms of chronic gastritis:

surface;
atrophic.

Superficial chronic gastritis is characterized by:

feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the epigastric region;
recurrent nausea;
heartburn;
unpleasant taste in the mouth;
lack of appetite.

The tongue, in this case, most often, is covered with a white or yellow coating. Sour breath may be present as a result of gastroesophageal reflux.

Atrophic chronic gastritis manifests itself with the same symptoms as superficial, and also, unmotivated weakness and weight loss are added to the clinic.

Due to atrophy of the gastric mucosa, there is a deficiency of the Castle factor, which is responsible for the normal absorption of vitamin B12, which leads to the development of pernicious anemia.

Clinically, this is manifested by pallor of the skin, brittle hair, paresthesias in the limbs. Attention is drawn to the characteristic "lacquered" tongue - crimson color, with smoothed papillae and teeth imprints on the lateral surfaces.

Colitis

These are various in etiology (autoimmune, infectious, toxic, ischemic) inflammatory processes of the colon mucosa.

Downstream colitis is divided by:

spicy;
chronic.

Acute colitis, as a rule, is characterized by vivid symptoms with sharp abdominal pain, tenesmus, flatulence, diarrhea, and the presence of pathological impurities in the feces.

Against the background of the above symptoms, dehydration develops with a tongue characteristic of this condition - dry with pronounced striation, covered with a dirty yellow, difficult to separate plaque.

Chronic colitis has a less vivid clinical picture, manifested by diffuse, non-localized abdominal pain, bloating, a feeling of fullness, tenesmus, alternating diarrhea and constipation. Long-term chronic colitis, as a rule, leads to significant exhaustion, decreased immunity and vitamin deficiency.

In this case, the language can be covered:

white bloom (candidiasis against the background of immunodeficiency);
dirty yellow (dehydration);
varnished (vitamin deficiency).

Also, with the course of the disease in a mild form, there may be no raids at all.

Pancreatitis

This is an acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas with the activation of digestive enzymes and the initiation of the processes of self-digestion of pancreatic tissue.

Downstream, pancreatitis is divided by:

spicy;
chronic.

Acute pancreatitis is characterized by severe girdle pain in the upper abdomen, intoxication, nausea, vomiting, fever, and a decrease in blood pressure. With a severe course of the disease, the tongue is dry, striated, covered with a thick, hard, difficult to separate, yellow-brown or brown coating.

The main clinical manifestation of chronic pancreatitis is digestive enzyme deficiency syndrome:

recurrent non-localized abdominal pain;
flatulence;
bloating;
stool disorders;
weakness;
loss of body weight.

The tongue, as a rule, is coated with a white or white-yellow coating. There may be signs of papillary atrophy as a result of nutrient and vitamin deficiencies.

Acute surgical disease associated with inflammation of the appendix.

Acute appendicitis is characterized by the appearance of diffuse pain in the upper abdomen, which then migrates to the right iliac region and becomes localized.

The tongue in the initial stages is covered with a whitish coating. With the development of complications, in the form of an appendicular infiltrate, delimited or diffuse peritonitis, it becomes covered with a dirty gray coating.

Common features characteristic of all liver diseases are symptoms of intoxication: weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite, aches throughout the body.

There may also be pain in the right hypochondrium, from aching, not expressed to intense, sharply aggravating the condition (hepatic colic).

If hepatocytes (liver cells) are damaged and the normal flow of bile through the biliary tract is disturbed, yellowness of the skin may appear from lemon yellow to yellow-green or deep orange.

The tongue becomes covered with a white coating with a yellowish tinge and a characteristic smell of raw liver from the mouth.

With jaundice, the tongue becomes covered with an intense yellow coating, which is due to the precipitation of bilirubin crystals on the mucous membranes, which give the characteristic color.

Kidney disease

Renal failure is a violation of the filtration, excretory and secretory functions of both kidneys due to the effect on the kidneys of various damaging factors (infection, poisoning, trauma, vascular thrombosis).

Distinguish between acute and chronic renal failure.

Acute renal failure has bright and transient symptoms with a sharp decrease in the amount of urine, weakness, nausea, vomiting, severe intoxication.

The skin becomes dry, flaky, small crystals of urea may appear.

The tongue and mucous membrane of the oral cavity are covered with a brown coating, acquire a "lacquer" character. Ulcers and erosions may appear and bleed easily on contact with food.

Chronic renal failure manifests itself gradually with a gradual decrease in the amount of urine and a decrease in the disinfecting function of the kidneys.

Patients are worried about weakness, increased fatigue, lethargy, apathy, marked weight loss is noted.

The skin becomes pale yellow with "frost" on the skin, as a result of the loss of urea crystals. There is marked itching and scratching.

A common complication of renal failure is various kinds of inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity (stomatitis, glossitis), while the tongue is dry with small erosions, covered with a dense brown or brown coating. At the same time, dryness, bitterness and a metallic taste in the mouth are disturbing.

Endocrine diseases

Diabetes

A disease associated with a deficiency of insulin secretion or a decrease in the sensitivity of insulin receptors of cells, accompanied by a violation of the normal utilization of glucose.

Clinically, diabetes is manifested by:

constant thirst and dry mouth;
increased urine output;
losing weight;
weakness;
a tendency to infectious diseases;
the presence of acetone in the blood and urine.

Plaque on the tongue in diabetes mellitus can be due to a number of reasons:

dehydration against the background of polyuria - the tongue is dry, overlaid with a white-yellow coating;
activation of saprophytic flora (in particular Candid) - thickly overlaid with a white, curdled bloom;
diabetic ketoacidosis - a dry, streaked tongue with a dirty gray or brown coating and a pronounced odor of acetone from the mouth.

It should be noted that diabetes mellitus is characterized by extreme variability of clinical symptoms and variants of activation of the saprophytic flora. That can give many other changes in the tongue and oral cavity, up to the formation of abscesses and phlegmon.

The disease is caused by acute or chronic insufficiency of the adrenal cortex.

The main manifestation of which is a violation of melanin metabolism and its excessive deposition in epithelial cells and connective tissue.

Clinically, the disease is manifested by hyperpigmentation of open areas of the body (face, hands), the skin becomes bronze or brown.

On the mucous membrane of the tongue, spots and stripes of black, dark brown or bronze appear of various sizes. They do not rise above the mucous membrane and are not detected by touch.

Basedow's disease

The disease is associated with an overactive thyroid gland.

Clinically, there is a burning sensation in the mouth, impaired taste sensitivity, weight loss, general weakness, palpitations, sweating.

The mucous membrane of the oral cavity is edematous, a "geographical" language is characteristic - irregular deposits of white or whitish-yellow in the form of a geographical map (manifestation of desquamative glossitis).

Infectious diseases

Most infectious diseases cause white plaque on the tongue. The reasons for an adult are:

leptotrichosis;
fusospirochetosis;
herpes;
dysenetry;
cholera;
ersiniosis;

Some of them affect mainly the mucous membrane of the tongue, for example, leptotrichosis (dense white-gray plaque), candidiasis (curdled white plaque), fusospirochetosis (gray-green plaque with a putrid odor).

It should be noted that some childhood infections, such as scarlet fever and diphtheria, can cause white plaque on the tongue in a child.

Most infectious diseases lead to the formation of plaque in the tongue indirectly, as a manifestation of dehydration and intoxication.

Poisoning with various poisons

Poisoning with acids and alkalis

This can occur as a result of an accidental intake, and with a suicidal intent.

The clinic, as a rule, is bright with a burning sensation in the oral cavity, sharp pains behind the sternum, signs of shock and intoxication.

When examining the oral cavity, a white plaque is noted on the tongue, as a result of a chemical burn of the mucous membrane, it is quickly rejected, exposing an ulcerated bleeding wound.

Chronic alcohol intoxication

The disease is associated with long-term systematic use of alcohol and psycho-somatic dependence on it.

Changes in the oral mucosa characteristic of alcoholism are:

thick white coating on the tongue;
papillary atrophy;
hyperemia of the mucous membrane;
chronic candidal infection.

All these changes are associated with the constant effect of alcohol-containing beverages on the mucous membrane (chronic chemical burn), reduced immunity and, as a rule, chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Conclusion

As can be seen from the above, the causes of white plaque in the language can be extremely diverse, from physiological to extremely dangerous and associated with the risks of an unfavorable outcome.

It should be noted that examination of the oral mucosa alone does not give any 100% guarantees that the diagnosis is correct.

Only a doctor, having collected an anamnesis, having carried out a physical, laboratory and instrumental examination, will be able to determine the symptom of which pathology is white plaque on the tongue. The causes and treatment will be compared and justified.