The tongue is a muscular organ in the mouth that assists with chewing, speaking and swallowing. Small bumps cover the top layer of the tongue and enable taste. Although the tongue is normally a pinkish color, certain medical conditions can cause changes to the surface of the tongue. A white coating or white spots can form on the tongue. Some of the conditions that cause white spots on the tongue are harmless, while others can cause serious complications.
Thrush
An overgrowth of yeast in the mouth can cause white spots to occur on the tongue, gums, roof of the mouth and the inside of the cheeks. This condition, commonly referred to as thrush, resembles a cottage cheese coating that does not easily scrape off, according to the consumer info website Skinsight. Individuals at risk for developing thrush include infants, people with poor nutrition, those who use inhaled steroids or are taking antibiotics and individuals with suppressed immune systems. The first treatment for thrush includes proper oral hygiene, followed by anti-fungal medications to decrease the yeast growth.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can form in the mouth and cause white sores, growths or spots to occur on the gums, tongue, lip or throat. Tobacco and alcohol use as well as chronic irritation in the mouth increase the risk of developing oral cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Men also develop oral cancers more commonly than women. A physician usually diagnoses mouth cancers after performing a biopsy of the growth. Treatments for cancer in the mouth include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia is a medical condition that occurs mainly due to tobacco use. The symptoms of leukoplakia include thick, white patches on the inside of the mouth, including the tongue. The white growth does not scrape off easily and can be irregular in texture. Fuzzy, white patches of leukoplakia on the sides of the tongue are most common for individuals with a weakened immune system, such as HIV or AIDS, according to MayoClinic.com. A complication associated with leukoplakia is the possibility that the condition can become cancerous.
Dry Mouth
Having a dry mouth can cause white areas to appear on the tongue. This condition is harmless and improves with adequate hydration. Conditions that can cause a dry mouth include dehydration, breathing through the mouth and a fever.
Lichen Planus
Lichen planus is a condition that can cause white spots on the tongue and can also affect the skin. The cause is not fully understood but may be from an allergic reaction to due to exposure to chemical substances or from hepatitis C, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Using antihistamines can help treat the allergic response and treat the condition.
