There are many possible causes for white tongue, and in some cases, it comes with an unpleasant odor and mouth dryness. To get rid of it, sometimes you just need to brush your teeth. But what should you do if that doesn’t help?
❗ This article is for informative purposes only and can’t replace the advice of a specialist.
What white tongue is
The white film may cover the entire tongue, part of it, or appear as spots. At the same time, an unpleasant odor and taste in the mouth may appear. It looks as if there are small white hairs on the tongue’s surface. In fact, they are buds covered with organic particles, bacteria, and dead cells.
White plaque on the tongue (which can also be yellow) may appear for different reasons, like due to irritation or because of an infection. It usually disappears after several days. If the situation doesn’t change for several weeks, and it’s painful to eat and talk, it’s best to see a doctor.
It’s important to note that the plaque may not only be white. While a pink tongue is normal, a brown tongue means the person drinks too much coffee or tea. A yellow tongue means there’s something wrong with the liver, and a red tongue is a sign that the person lacks vitamin B.
Why the tongue becomes white
Usually, the tongue becomes white due to bacteria, leftover bits of food, or dead cells that get stuck in between the buds. Because of this, the buds may increase in size or become inflamed. This is how white spots on the tongue’s surface appear.
Sometimes, the plaque appears due to an illness. For example, the geographic tongue is also a condition where white spots appear on the tongue. It’s quite rare, and the causes are unknown, but the condition itself is often connected to eating foods that irritate the tongue. It may also be a reaction to stress, an illness, or hormonal changes.
Why white plaque appears on the tongue
There are some things that make the appearance of white plaque on the tongue more probable:
- Age
- Taking antibiotics (white-yellow plaque appearing when there’s a fungal infection in the mouth)
- A diet that’s lacking enough fruits, vegetables, vitamin B12, and iron
- A weak immune system
- Bad mouth hygiene
- Dental prosthetics or other objects that can damage the tongue
- Dehydration and mouth dryness
What piercings have to do with white tongue
Right after piercing the tongue, there might be some white film present. This happens because the number of bacteria on the tongue increases, and it’s normal. Antibacterial mouthwash will help you get rid of it. Plus, there might be a ring around the piercings, which is normal too, and it means the tissue is healing.
If the plaque appears due to an injury (including piercings), the healing should take around 1.5 weeks. You should avoid irritants, such as hot, spicy, or sour foods and drinks.
How to get rid of white tongue at home
- Practice good mouth hygiene.
- Drink enough water.
- Brush your teeth using a soft toothbrush.
- Use a mild fluoride toothpaste — one that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Use fluoride mouthwash.
- Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to remove the white coating.
- Drink cold drinks through a straw.
- Avoid food and drinks that are spicy, salty, acidic, or very hot in temperature.
Who to talk to if you’re worried about your white tongue
- Your dentist can help you remove the white film from the tongue and prescribe medications if needed.
- Your GP can diagnose the tongue, prescribe you certain medications and determine if the white tongue is an indicator of a more serious issue.
What do you do about white tongue?
Preview photo credit Genusfotografen (genusfotografen.se) & Wikimedia Sverige (wikimedia.se) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, Martanopue / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Nicole Kidman’s Heartbreaking Confession: Why She Missed Her Ailing Mother’s 80th Birthday
Nicole Kidman’s life has been full of success and personal sacrifice. As a teenager, she cared for her mother, but she missed some important moments in her family’s life. This shows a different side of her story.
While she is known for her amazing performances and is one of Hollywood’s top actresses, Nicole Kidman recently experienced a deep personal loss.
On September 7, 2024, Nicole Kidman won the Best Actress award at the 81st Venice Film Festival for her role in the film “Babygirl.” However, the excitement of this big win was overshadowed by tragic news that made her leave Venice just as the ceremony was starting.
Nicole Kidman missed a major award ceremony after experiencing a devastating loss.
She had traveled to Venice for the awards, but the sudden death of her beloved mother, Janelle Anne Kidman, meant she couldn’t stay to accept the award in person. Instead, the film’s director, Halina Reijn, took the stage to deliver Nicole’s remarks, reading from a statement she had prepared.
Nicole Kidman shared her grief with the audience, saying, “Today, I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after that my brave and beautiful mother, Janelle Anne Kidman, had just passed. I’m in shock and need to be with my family, but this award is for her.” Her heartfelt words touched many, revealing the deep impact her mother had on her life.
In her emotional statement, Nicole Kidman spoke about the deep impact her mother had on her life, saying, “She shaped me, she guided me, and she made me. I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina. The collision of life and art is heartbreaking. My heart is broken.” Her words captured the bittersweet nature of experiencing a professional triumph amid personal tragedy.
Janelle Kidman, 84, was a nursing instructor and a devoted member of the Women’s Electoral Lobby, an Australian feminist group. Her dedication to her work and her strong influence on Nicole’s values and worldview were evident throughout the actress’s life.
Nicole Kidman’s bond with her mother grew even stronger through years of personal caregiving. At just 17, Nicole took a break from her rising acting career to care for Janelle during a crucial period in her life.
The Golden Globe winner even took a massage course to help with her mother’s rehabilitation, showing just how dedicated she was to her family.
Growing up, Nicole Kidman saw her mother face serious health challenges, which deeply affected her. As she grew older, Nicole became more involved in raising awareness for women’s health issues, using her own experiences and pain to support advocacy efforts.
Nicole Kidman once spoke about how watching her mother battle breast cancer as a teenager had a profound impact on her. She said, “I have seen my mother go through it. I think that has had an effect on me. I was in my late teens, and that experience has left a mark on me in a way I will never forget,” during a breast cancer awareness campaign.
Janelle’s health journey had a significant impact on the entire family, leading Nicole to maintain a constant sense of vigilance into her adulthood. Nicole explained, “With my mother, it’s every year. Once it has affected your life, you stay vigilant. You have to keep getting checked, and eventually, your whole family is affected by it.”
Nicole’s deep connection with her mother was clear in all aspects of her life. Their bond went beyond shared experiences to include the sacrifices Nicole made, many of which often went unnoticed. This profound relationship is why Nicole missed celebrating her mother’s birthday and Mother’s Day.
Despite her busy schedule, the 57-year-old star always made her family a priority, especially during tough times. In 2020, the global pandemic created an unprecedented separation, making Nicole and many others yearn for the comfort and closeness of family.
As the world went into lockdown, the “Moulin Rouge” star couldn’t visit her mother in Australia, which was especially difficult during important family moments like Mother’s Day and Janelle’s 80th birthday.
Nicole expressed her deep longing by saying, “I would love to be able to have a cup of tea with mum, sit on the balcony, talk about life, and have her tell me what I should be doing.”
The distance was painful for Nicole, as she missed these precious moments with her mother. Reflecting on the lockdown challenges, she said, “It was gut-wrenching. At least we had FaceTime and technology, which was a saving grace. But not having that physical connection has been really hard for our family.”
Even during these challenging times, the “Far and Away” star found comfort in small connections through technology. She frequently FaceTimed her mother, who, although initially hesitant about video calls, eventually embraced them.
Nicole fondly remembered helping her mom find the best angles for video calls and laughed about Janelle’s resistance to Zoom. “She’s like, ‘No, no Zoom,’” Nicole joked, reflecting on the light-hearted moments that helped them stay close despite the distance.
The bond between Nicole and her mother was deeply rooted in both family ties and shared passions. Janelle played a crucial role in shaping Nicole’s ambitions, always encouraging her and her sister, Antonia Kidman, to follow their own paths. Nicole shared, “She’s given me the fire to pursue the career I have because I’ve always wanted to please her.”
Janelle’s influence went beyond words, motivating Nicole to excel and ensuring that her daughters had opportunities she herself did not. Nicole noted, “Mum didn’t necessarily get the career she wanted, but she was determined that her daughters would have equal opportunities. That’s given me my life. She and my dad gave me my life.”
When Janelle’s health declined in early 2022, Nicole immediately returned to Australia to be with her. Despite the ongoing pandemic, Nicole made sure her mother was surrounded by love and the people who mattered most, including her grandchildren.
Reflecting on this period, the “Aquaman” star shared a special memory: “We were able to take her into the gallery after hours and show her the Matisse exhibit. For a mother who raised me with a love for the arts, it was very, very soothing and comforting.”
Nicole emphasized how her mother’s passion for fashion greatly influenced her own style, saying, “And my mother is still—she’s so involved in what I wear.” Janelle’s keen eye for detail and style remained a guiding force, with her continuing to help with Nicole’s wardrobe choices almost until the end.
Throughout her life, Janelle was more than just a mother to Nicole; she was a source of inspiration, a confidante, and a constant presence who played a crucial role in shaping the person Nicole became.
Despite the physical distance and the challenges it brought, Nicole Kidman’s bond with her mother never wavered. Their relationship, marked by moments of shared laughter and quiet support, stands as a testament to the enduring power of family.
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