A white coating on the tongue can occur when your health is compromised, like during a cold or fever. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol, and too much sugar, coffee, tea, or dairy can also contribute to this by disrupting the balance of your oral microbiota or affecting saliva production.

In most cases, it’s an accumulation of bacteria and dead cells, a condition known as saburral tongue or white patches. This coating can often be removed by gently using a tongue scraper. However, other factors can lead to a thicker coating, localized patches, or even a metallic taste in the mouth.

What exactly causes the tongue to turn white? Could this be a sign of infection? What about other health implications? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue.

First Broadcast: 23/5/2024

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