Hi Dear, Welcome to HCM. Understanding your concern. Thanks for your query .The symptoms you describe in your query are pointing towards condition known as oral thrush in fact a severe kind of oral thrush . Well its a fungal disease caused by a fungus candida albicans. There can be many causes for oral thrush like weakened immune system ,ill fit dentures ,certain medicines like antibiotics and dry mouth. In your case the probable cause for oral thrush is dry mouth ,which leads to deposition of keratin on tongue further leads to growth of fungus. Mild form of thrush go away by its own within a week, but severe form (as in your case required treatment). I would suggest you to consult dentist/oral pathologist for proper evaluation and to rule out any other underlying disease. Doctor may diagnose it by its appearance or microscopic tissue culture. Doctor may prescribe oral anti fungal medicine(like nystatin or fluconazole) for 10-14 days ,antiseptic mouth wash like listrine and saliva substitute for dry mouth. For now maintain proper oral hygiene , take use probiotic like yogurt and quite smoking (if you smoke) Hope your concern has been resolved. Please write a review about your experience with me and do click at i find this answer helpful if its valuable for you. Get Well Soon. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari