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What Do White Flat Spots On Tongue Indicate?

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Posted on Thu, 5 Feb 2015
Question: I seem to have suddenly developed white flat spots on my tongue. The sizes vary but nothing is very large. I should be grateful to receive a possible diagnosis. Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
seems to be a fungal infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.

There are many possible causes for white spots on tongue that might include infections, from chronic disease of gastrointestinal tract , presence of dental appliances ,primary diseases of the tongue etc.

In your case since the spots appear suddenly ,most likely it is due to a fungal infection (candidiasis or thrush).In this case the lesions of fungal overgrowth can be scraped off the tongue and can cause a sore and burning sensation in tongue.
It is not related to Miralax.
Usually a mild thrush will go away on its own without treatment.

When you wash your teeth ,also brush your tongue .You also can try salt water rinses several times a day.This will help if the cause is a fungal infection.
If this doesn't seem to improve in 2-3 days you can try an oral antifulgal like Miconazole oral gel or Miconazole mouthwash for rinses.
Apply it four times a day after meals for 1 week.

If the spots don't respond to the treatment with antifungals ,you should consult a physician for further evaluation.


Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubts to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati




Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (1 hour later)
Thank you very much. I think you hit the nail on the head - I forgot that I had just re-started Advair and I suspect I did not rinse my mouth well enough.

So again, thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
you are welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

You are totally welcome.

Oral thrush is a very common complication of using Advair.
Wash well your tongue and do some salt water rinses of your mouth .You will be fine in some days.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr.Rovena
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Rovena

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1243 Questions

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What Do White Flat Spots On Tongue Indicate?

Brief Answer: seems to be a fungal infection. Detailed Answer: Hello! Welcome to Healthcare Magic. I read carefully your query and understand your concern. There are many possible causes for white spots on tongue that might include infections, from chronic disease of gastrointestinal tract , presence of dental appliances ,primary diseases of the tongue etc. In your case since the spots appear suddenly ,most likely it is due to a fungal infection (candidiasis or thrush).In this case the lesions of fungal overgrowth can be scraped off the tongue and can cause a sore and burning sensation in tongue. It is not related to Miralax. Usually a mild thrush will go away on its own without treatment. When you wash your teeth ,also brush your tongue .You also can try salt water rinses several times a day.This will help if the cause is a fungal infection. If this doesn't seem to improve in 2-3 days you can try an oral antifulgal like Miconazole oral gel or Miconazole mouthwash for rinses. Apply it four times a day after meals for 1 week. If the spots don't respond to the treatment with antifungals ,you should consult a physician for further evaluation. Hope it helps. Let me know if you have any other question or doubts to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further. Kind regards, Dr.Rovena Murati