Having a white or cracked tongue is a common condition that can occur for a variety of reasons. In most cases, it is harmless and can be easily treated and prevented. Understanding the causes and treatments can help identify when an underlying health condition may be the cause.
What causes a white tongue?
A white tongue is often caused by an overgrowth and buildup of bacteria or fungi on the surface of the tongue. Dead cells, food debris, and bacteria can accumulate faster than the tongue’s surface cells can shed. This debris can lead to a white discoloration.
Some potential causes of a white tongue include:
- Lack of oral hygiene – Not brushing or scraping the tongue regularly can allow bacteria to proliferate.
- Dehydration – A dry mouth allows more dead cells to build up.
- Smoking – Chemicals in tobacco smoke stain the tongue.
- Drinking alcohol – Alcohol dehydrates the mouth and allows cell debris to accumulate.
- Eating certain foods – Foods like coffee, tea, and soy sauce can stain the tongue.
- Medications – Some medications like antibiotics cause overgrowth of fungi or bacteria.
- Oral thrush – A fungal infection often causes a thick white coating.
- Leukoplakia – A benign condition that produces white patches that can’t be scraped off.
- Oral lichen planus – An autoimmune condition that can result in white patches on the tongue.
- Geographic tongue – Irregular patches and grooves on the surface collect debris.
In most cases, a white tongue is harmless and temporary. Practicing good oral hygiene is usually enough to treat it. However, sometimes it can indicate an underlying condition, so it’s a good idea to see your dentist or doctor if it doesn’t go away after improving your oral care routine.
What causes tongue cracks and fissures?
Cracks, grooves, and fissures on the top and sides of the tongue can also occur due to buildup of debris. However, there are other potential causes as well:
- Genes – Some people are simply born with natural grooves and cracks in their tongue surface.
- Aging – The tongue tends to develop more grooves and wrinkles as you get older.
- Lifestyle habits – Smoking cigarettes and drinking excessive alcohol can cause drying and cracking.
- Mouth breathing – Breathing through your mouth dries out the tongue.
- Dehydration – Not drinking enough fluids can lead to a dry, cracked tongue.
- Vitamin deficiencies – Lack of B vitamins, zinc, and iron can affect tongue health.
- Oral thrush – A fungal infection that causes cracked corners of the mouth.
- Canker sores – Mouth ulcers can occur on the tongue, leaving cracks when healed.
- Eczema – Allergies or immune disorders that cause skin inflammation.
- Psoriasis – An autoimmune condition that causes scaly patches.
- Lichen planus – An autoimmune disease that can result in sore, cracked tongue.
In many cases, cracks and fissures on the tongue are harmless. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and proper scraping can help improve texture. But deeper grooves and cracked corners of the mouth should be evaluated by a doctor or dentist to check for fungal infections or other conditions.
When to see a doctor
In most cases, a white or cracked tongue is not serious. Practicing good oral hygiene and staying hydrated can often resolve these issues. Try these home remedies:
- Brush your tongue gently when you brush your teeth
- Use a tongue scraper daily to remove bacteria, fungi, and dead cells
- Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol and caffeine
- Avoid smoking cigarettes or vaping devices
- Eat yogurt with active cultures to balance oral bacteria
See your dentist or doctor if your symptoms don’t improve after 1-2 weeks of good oral hygiene. Also seek medical care if the white coating is thick, widespread, or accompanied by red sore spots.
You should visit your doctor right away if you experience:
- Severe pain or burning sensation
- Difficulty eating, swallowing, or moving the tongue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever or fatigue
- Sores or ulcerated lesions on the tongue
These symptoms could indicate an underlying condition that requires medical treatment. Prompt evaluation is recommended.
Common causes of a white and cracked tongue
Oral thrush
Oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast called Candida. The white or yellowish coating can resemble milk curds or cottage cheese. Thrush may cause cracks and redness at the corners of the mouth. It is common in newborns or people with weakened immune systems. Treatment is with medicated mouthwashes or antifungal medications.
Oral lichen planus
Oral lichen planus is an autoimmune condition affecting the skin and mucous membranes in the mouth. It can appear as lacy white patches, red inflamed lesions, or open sores. Cracked tongue and discomfort may occur. Steroid creams or medications can help reduce symptoms.
Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia causes thickened, white patches that can develop on the gums, cheeks, or tongue. These patches are painless and cannot be easily scraped off. While mostly harmless, leukoplakia lesions can sometimes become cancerous. Biopsies or removing the patches may be recommended.
Geographic tongue
Geographic tongue, also called benign migratory glossitis, causes map-like patches to form on the surface of the tongue. The borders are red and inflamed, while the center appears smooth. Debris easily collects in the irregular cracks and grooves. Symptoms come and go spontaneously. No specific treatment is needed.
Dry mouth
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, reduces saliva flow in the mouth. Causes include medications, autoimmune disorders, nerve damage, and dehydration. Lack of lubricating saliva allows dead skin cells to build up, leading to white tongue. Sipping water, chewing gum, and using oral moisturizers can help treat dry mouth.
Allergies
Oral allergy syndrome can develop after eating certain raw fruits, vegetables, or nuts in people with pollen allergies. Reactions include itching, swelling, and white patches on the lips, tongue, and throat. Avoiding the trigger foods is the main treatment for oral allergy syndrome.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. This inflammation and buildup of skin cells can also affect the tongue, leading to white and cracked areas. Antifungal medications, vitamin D creams, or immune-modulating drugs may help treat oral psoriasis.
Canker sores
Canker sores are small white or yellow ulcers that can occur under the tongue. They are usually oval with a red border. Canker sores are often triggered by stress, food sensitivities, vitamin deficiencies, or minor mouth trauma. Most heal within 1-2 weeks without treatment.
When is a white, cracked tongue normal?
In many cases, a white or cracked tongue is completely normal and harmless. Here are some examples:
- After sleeping – Saliva flow decreases during sleep, allowing debris to accumulate.
- When dehydrated – Dry mouth allows dead skin buildup on the tongue.
- During/after illness – Congestion and breathing through the mouth can dry and discolor the tongue.
- During pregnancy – Hormonal changes can affect oral health.
- When taking certain medications – Antihistamines, inhalers, and decongestants can reduce saliva.
- In smokers – Tobacco use stains the tongue’s surface.
A white or cracked tongue related to these factors is not serious. Gently brushing the tongue and staying hydrated should help it resolve.
How to prevent a white, cracked tongue
You can help prevent a white or cracked tongue by:
- Brushing your tongue when you brush your teeth.
- Using a tongue scraper daily.
- Drinking plenty of water.
- Avoiding smoking and excess alcohol.
- Using an antibacterial mouthwash to control bacteria.
- Eating probiotic yogurt to balance oral bacteria.
- Getting regular dental cleanings.
Practicing good oral hygiene helps remove debris and dead cells that discolor the tongue. Staying hydrated and limiting risks like smoking can also prevent cracking and irritation.
When to see a dentist
Schedule an appointment with your dentist if you have:
- A white or cracked tongue that doesn’t resolve with good oral hygiene
- A painful, inflamed, or swollen tongue
- Red spots, sores, or ulcers on the tongue
- A tongue condition that makes eating uncomfortable
- Holes or patches on the tongue surface
- An enlarged tongue or lump under the tongue
Your dentist can examine your mouth and tongue to determine if an infection, vitamin deficiency, or other issue is contributing to the problem. They may recommend tongue scraping, using a prescription mouthwash, or getting lab tests if an underlying condition is suspected.
Tips for soothing a sore white tongue
If you have a painful white tongue, try these measures to help soothe discomfort:
- Avoid spicy, acidic, or irritating foods and beverages.
- Rinse your mouth with a baking soda and salt solution to reduce inflammation.
- Suck on ice chips or Popsicles to numb pain.
- Use an over-the-counter oral anesthetic medication.
- Take anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen.
- Gargle with coconut oil to coat the tongue surface.
- Apply aloe vera gel directly to the tongue for soothing relief.
Your doctor may also recommend using a prescription corticosteroid mouthwash or medication to reduce swelling and discomfort on your tongue.
Home remedies for a white tongue
These natural home remedies can help treat a white tongue:
- Saltwater rinse – Swish warm salt water around your mouth to control bacteria and soften debris.
- Baking soda – Make a paste with baking soda and water and gently rub it on the surface of your tongue.
- Hydrogen peroxide – Dilute hydrogen peroxide and swish it around your mouth before spitting out.
- Aloe vera – The soothing gel from an aloe plant can coat and hydrate the tongue.
- Coconut oil – Swish and gently pull coconut oil through your teeth to cleanse your mouth.
- Green tea – Rinsing with cool green tea can control bacteria buildup.
- Probiotic yogurt – Eating yogurt with active cultures may balance your oral microbiome.
Use these natural remedies 2-3 times per day along with your regular oral hygiene routine. They help remove debris, fight bacteria overgrowth, and soothe inflammation.
When to see a doctor for a white, cracked tongue
See your doctor promptly if you have:
- A tongue condition that makes eating, swallowing, or talking difficult
- Severe tongue pain or burning sensation
- Sores, lesions, or ulcerated patches on your tongue
- Red spots on your tongue accompanied by a fever or body aches
- A white or thick coating covering your entire tongue
- An unusually enlarged, swollen, or inflamed tongue
- Unexplained weight loss along with tongue changes
These symptoms can indicate a possible infection, autoimmune disorder, vitamin deficiency, or more serious medical condition. Your doctor can perform tests to check for oral thrush, lichen planus, cancer, and other possible causes. Prompt medical treatment may be needed.
What does a healthy tongue look like?
A healthy tongue should be pink in color and relatively smooth, with only shallow grooves or cracks. Here are some signs of a normal, healthy tongue:
- Uniform pink or red color
- Moist, glossy surface
- Light white coating toward the back
- Small nodules (papillae) cover the surface
- No red or white patches
- No sore spots, ulcers, or lesions
- Only shallow grooves less than 2mm deep
It’s normal for the tongue to appear a bit whiter first thing in the morning or after eating. But persistent white or yellowish coating, especially toward the front of the tongue, can indicate poor oral hygiene or an underlying issue. See your dentist if your tongue condition doesn’t improve with brushing.
Conclusion
A white or cracked tongue is usually harmless and often simply due to a buildup of debris. Practicing good oral hygiene by gently brushing or scraping your tongue can treat most cases. Drink plenty of fluids, use an antibacterial mouthwash, and limit tobacco and alcohol. See your dentist promptly if symptoms don’t resolve within 1-2 weeks or any painful sores, patches, or ulcers develop. Proper tongue care helps ensure a healthy pink tongue.