Suggest Treatment For White Tongue With Few Black Spots

Posted on Thu, 23 Jul 2015

Question: Hi, I have a white tongue with a few spots at the back. Have attached a picture, hopefully it works and you can see. http://gyazo.com/cd1d2dddcec0000d17c6fe6a6d20 Have an annoying taste in my mouth too, I dont know whether this is an issue I should go to a doctor or dentist for? I've been to a dentist before and they didnt really say or do anything about it but have been too embarrassed to go again. But time to change that! Any ideas on what it could potentially be? Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Normal coating or oral thrush...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

The image you have posted is not clear, but still, I would like to comment on a few things which I noted. The spots located on the back side of the tongue are the taste buds and they are the normal structures. Secondly, the white coating could be either a normal tongue coating (secondary to mouth breathing, dehydration or acid reflux disease) or presence of fungal infection (oral thrush).

Consult your doctor for a complete evaluation and management.

Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj