White Spots On Tongue Causes, Treatments and More

By adr.ian

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. How Can You Prevent Oral Thrush? 'InformedHealth.org /[Internet/]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 15 Aug. 2019,' www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK367577/
• 2. Health Topics A-Z. 'PeaceHealth,' www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/zd1065
• 3. Leukoplakia: 'Causes, Symptoms, Management & Treatment.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17655-leukoplakia
• 4. Holland, Kimberly. 'Syphilis in Mouth: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatment.' Healthline, Healthline Media, 8 Jan. 2020, www.healthline.com/health/syphilis-mouth

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White spots on the tongue can occur for many reasons, but contrary to what parents have been telling their children for years, they are not the result of telling a lie. The white spots that sometimes resemble bumps or patches can be harmless but can sometimes indicate that all is not well with someone's overall health.

The white spots that sometimes appear on an individual's tongue could be accredited to such infections as oral thrush or an ulcer called a canker sore. Leukoplakia, oral herpes and syphilis are other possible causes of white spots on the tongue as well as, would you believe, lie bumps.

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush can sometimes appear when a person's immune system is depressed.¹How Can You Prevent Oral Thrush? ‘InformedHealth.org /[Internet/]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 15 Aug. 2019,’ www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK367577/ The infection is caused by an overgrowth of a naturally occurring fungus. Although it is rarely serious, long-term infections may require treatment. Certain individuals may be more susceptible to oral thrush, including babies, denture wearers, cancer patients, smokers and people with diabetes.

Besides the appearance of white spots, other symptoms of oral thrush include white patches in other areas of the mouth, cracked skin around the corners of the mouth and lips, loss of taste and dry mouth. Rinsing the mouth with saltwater or baking soda can sometimes help relieve symptoms.