Having a lot of white coating on the tongue may be a normal phenomenon, or it may be caused by migratory glossitis. White coating on the tongue is considered to be caused by secretions from the tongue area, with no pain or discomfort, and is normal and does not require treatment. However, if there is an irregular patch missing from the tongue coating, accompanied by a burning sensation, it may be related to migratory glossitis. Having a lot of white coating on the tongue is a normal phenomenon:
1. It is normal to have white coating on the back of the tongue, as there are many filiform papillae on the back of the tongue. The ends of the filiform papillae mix with food residue to form the tongue coating.
2. Generally, normal tongue coating is white and relatively thin. If the tongue coating turns yellow and thicker, it indicates heatiness, which is a sign of heatiness in traditional Chinese medicine. In Western medicine, if the tongue coating is intact, it is considered normal.
Having a lot of white coating on the tongue is migratory glossitis:
1. If the white coating is incomplete, with red and white patches, it is called geographic tongue, medically known as migratory glossitis.
2. If the tongue coating is completely absent, revealing a bright red tongue, it is also a sign of glossitis. Patients may feel extreme discomfort, as if they have been scalded by food, resulting in a burning sensation in the mucosa. Therefore, do not be afraid of having a thin white coating on your tongue. If there are any changes, it is recommended to consult a dentist at a formal hospital as soon as possible.
