White Spots on Tongue: 12 Causes with Treatment

12 Common Causes of White Spots on Tongue

There are several common causes of white spots on the tongue. Knowing the cause of your white spots can help you determine the best course of treatment. Here are some of the most common causes of white spots on the tongue:

1. Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a common fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of Candida fungus in the mouth. It can cause white patches on the tongue or other parts of the mouth, such as gums and inner cheeks.

These patches may appear creamy white and have a cottage cheese-like appearance. Oral thrush usually affects people with weakened immune systems, infants, elderly individuals, and those taking antibiotics or steroid medications.

Other risk factors for oral thrush include having diabetes, wearing dentures that don’t fit properly, smoking cigarettes, and using certain inhalers.

If left untreated, oral thrush can spread to other parts of your body, like the throat, esophagus, or lungs. The treatment options for oral thrust involve antifungal medication administration and improving overall dental health hygiene practices.

2. Canker Sores

The painful white bumps on the tip or side of your tongue or lip could be mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores. These small white ulcers can recur every few months and cause discomfort while eating or talking. They may also appear on the roof of your mouth, gums, or under your tongue.

According to Dr. Alfred Wyatt from the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry, canker sores not only cause white spots on the tongue but can also be very discomforting. The causes of canker sores can be various, including stress, injury from ill-fitting dentures, or deficiencies of certain vitamins or minerals.

Maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding foods that can trigger canker sores, such as spicy or acidic foods, can help prevent these white ulcer-like bumps from affecting your tongue.

3. Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, can cause white spots on the tongue. This is because saliva helps wash away bacteria in the mouth.

Several factors can cause dry mouth, such as certain medications or diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome. A dry mouth allows for bacterial growth, leading to inflammation, pain, and chronic conditions if not treated promptly.

Treatment options may vary, but maintaining hydration, massaging the tongue, and medication help reduces related complications.

4. Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the skin, nails, hair, and mucous membranes. The oral variant can appear as white, lacy patches, red, swollen tissues, or open sores.

The lesions can appear anywhere in the oral cavity, including the buccal mucosa, lips, gums, the floor of the mouth, and the palate.

The causes of oral lichen planus are not fully understood, but it is believed to be due to an autoimmune reaction. Risk factors include autoimmune disorders, oral infection, and certain medications.

Corticosteroid creams are often used to reduce inflammation and redness. While it is not curable, treatment can help manage the symptoms.

5. Geographic Tongue

Geographic tongue is a condition where spots or patches appear on the top and sides of the tongue. The patches result from a lack of papillae in the affected area. The cause of geographic tongue is unknown.

Geographic tongue causes island-shaped lesions that give your tongue a map-like appearance. The lesions can appear on the upper surface and sides of the tongue.

Treatment includes anesthetic and antihistamine mouthwash. Over-the-counter pain relievers, corticosteroid ointments, or rinses can also be used. Vegetable Glycerin can also keep the tongue moist and hasten the healing process.

6. Oral Cancers

White patches on the tongue can be a symptom of oral cancer. Oral cancer usually develops in the squamous cells on the tongue’s surface, leading to tumors or lesions.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 54,000 new oral cancer cases are diagnosed annually in the United States.

The most noticeable symptoms are red or white patches on the tongue, pain, and a sore that does not heal. It is essential to see a healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms of oral cancer.

Treatment depends on the location and size of the tumor and may involve surgery and therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

7. Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia is a condition where one or more white patches or spots form inside the mouth, which can eventually develop into oral cancer. Symptoms of leukoplakia include white patches on the surface of the tongue, underneath the tongue, or on the insides of the cheeks.

Treatment for hairy leukoplakia may not be necessary as the condition often causes no symptoms and isn’t likely to lead to mouth cancer.

If your doctor recommends treatment, it may include antiviral medications. In some cases, the white patches may need to be surgically removed.

8. Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene can lead to white spots on the tongue due to a buildup of bacteria, debris, and food particles.

When plaque accumulates in the mouth, especially on the tongue’s surface, it can cause white or yellowish discoloration and bad breath.

In many cases, regular brushing and flossing, along with good oral hygiene practices like using mouthwash or scraping your tongue, will help prevent these spots from forming. However, persistent white patches may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention.

9. Allergic Reaction

An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to certain substances, called allergens, resulting in inflammation and irritation throughout the body.

Allergies can cause white spots on the tongue, among other symptoms. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, and treatment depends on the severity of the reaction.

Over-the-counter antihistamines can help relieve mild symptoms, while epinephrine is the most effective treatment for severe reactions.

10. Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to a lack of moisture in the mouth. When the mouth becomes dry, it can cause the tongue to appear white and rough.

Several studies have linked dehydration to oral health problems, including dry mouth, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Dehydration can also cause bad breath, difficulty speaking, and a decrease in saliva production. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeinated or alcoholic beverages can help keep the mouth hydrated.

11. Lie bumps (transient lingual papillitis)

If you have ever noticed raised white spots or bumps on the front of your tongue, you might be experiencing swelling of your tongue’s taste buds, commonly known as “lie bumps.” These small, whitish dots on the tongue can result from various conditions in the mouth, including inflamed papillae.

According to dermatologist Dr. Dyall-Smith, lie bumps, or transient lingual papillitis, can occur due to gastrointestinal issues, stress, or hormonal fluctuations. People with eczema, allergies, or asthma may experience these bumps more frequently than others. Sometimes, the white tongue spots can last several days and cause itching or a burning sensation.

Fortunately, there are several ways to treat lie bumps and alleviate their symptoms. Doctors often recommend using antibacterial mouthwash to clear up any underlying infections contributing to the bumps. In addition, yogurt can help cool down the tongue, while drinking cold fluids can provide temporary relief.

12. Injury

When you accidentally bite the tip or side of your tongue, you may notice a blister filled with fluid that appears either clear or white. Such tongue injuries not only cause initial sharp pain but also make your tongue highly sensitive to certain foods and heat.

According to Dr. Sumana Jothi on MedlinePlus, mouth sores resulting from tongue injuries are not always due to tongue biting. Improperly fitting dentures or a broken tooth may also cause them. In addition to fluid-filled blisters, biting the side of your tongue may also result in blood blisters.