“Thought It Was Tongue Coating, but Could It Be a Fungal Infection?” How to Tell the Difference on a White Tongue [Health Talk]

[Financial News] Is every white tongue caused by tongue coating? Tongue coating, which builds up from food debris and bacteria, and oral candidiasis, a fungal infection, can look similar but have different causes and require different approaches. Rather than judging by tongue color alone, it is important to consider how long the lesions last and whether there is pain.


Ordinary tongue coating forms when food debris, bacteria, and shed cells build up on the tongue. In dry autumn weather, the mouth can dry out easily, making the tongue look whiter than usual. Brushing or cleaning the tongue usually makes the coating fade.
Oral candidiasis, by contrast, is an infectious disease caused by the excessive growth of Candida in the mouth. The risk may increase when immunity is weakened, the mouth is excessively dry, or a person wears dentures. Medications such as antibiotics or steroids, as well as certain conditions including diabetes, may also play a role.
Oral candidiasis typically causes cream-colored or white spots or film-like lesions on the tongue, inside of the cheeks, gums, or roof of the mouth. If the lesions come off, the underlying mucous membrane may appear red or bleed. The mouth may feel hot or sore, and eating can be uncomfortable. Taste may change, or the mouth may feel as if it is covered in cotton.

Because the two conditions can look similar, oral candidiasis cannot be identified based on tongue color alone. The appearance and duration of the lesions, as well as accompanying symptoms such as pain or a burning sensation, should be considered together. If needed, a clinician can examine the mouth directly or take a sample from a lesion for testing. If white lesions remain after brushing or cleaning the tongue, or there is unusual discomfort, it is worth checking for causes other than tongue coating.
Oh Min-seok, a dental department chief at Seran Hospital, said, “During seasonal transitions, the mouth can dry out easily, and the tongue may look different than usual.” He added, “Drinking enough water and maintaining good oral hygiene can help, but if white lesions remain after cleaning the tongue or discomfort continues, it is best to have the condition checked at a dental clinic.”
 

[email protected] Jeong Myeong-jin, Medical Correspondent Reporter