- 1. Lack of hygiene
- 2. Geographic language
- 3. Burns
- 4. Food
- 5. Too many microorganisms in the mouth
- 6. Tongue cancer
The appearance of spots on the tongue are usually related to poor oral hygiene habits, which can result in dark or white spots, for example, and in the latter situation it may also be indicative of the excessive presence of microorganisms in the mouth.
To avoid stains on the tongue, the most recommended is to improve brushing of the teeth and tongue. If the stain does not disappear even with the improvement of hygiene habits or if other symptoms appear, it is important to go to the dentist so that the cause of the stain on the tongue is identified and the best treatment can be started.
1. Lack of hygiene
The lack of hygiene or inadequate hygiene of the mouth can lead to the appearance of dark or white spots in the mouth, in addition to being accompanied by a bad smell and the formation of bacterial plaques, for example.
What to do: To eliminate dark or white stains caused by the lack of tooth brushing, it is recommended to improve oral hygiene by brushing the tongue, moving back and forth, at least 2 times a day and using a mouthwash that should be recommended by the dentist.
See how to improve tongue hygiene in the following video:
2. Geographic language
The geographical tongue is an alteration of the tongue characterized by the presence of red, smooth and irregular spots on the tongue that do not pose any risk to the person. In some cases, the geographical tongue can cause pain, burning and discomfort, especially after consuming hot, spicy or acidic drinks or foods, for example.
What to do: In the case of geographic language, it is important to go to the dentist to indicate the best treatment, which can be done with the use of analgesic, anti-inflammatory, corticosteroids, mouthwashes or the use of anesthetic ointments, for example. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms, so it is important to avoid consuming foods that can trigger symptoms. Understand how the treatment for geographic language is done.
3. Burns
Eating very spicy or very hot foods can burn your tongue, which can result in red spots on your tongue, in addition to making it slightly swollen, painful and sensitive.
What to do: In this situation, it is recommended to eat an ice cream, suck ice or chew a mint gum, for example, as they relieve symptoms and improve discomfort. Check out 5 home remedies for swollen tongue.
4. Food
Frequent or excessive consumption of coffee and teas, for example, can lead to the appearance of dark spots on the tongue, not indicating any other serious problem.
What to do: In these cases the recommendation is to improve oral hygiene habits so that dark spots disappear easily.
5. Too many microorganisms in the mouth
The presence of excess fungi and bacteria in the mouth can also cause the appearance of white spots on the tongue. This usually happens when the immune system is weakened, in case of autoimmune diseases or due to poor hygiene of the mouth.
What to do: In these cases, the most recommended is to improve the brushing of the mouth and tongue to avoid the accumulation of food debris in the mouth, which favors the growth of fungi and bacteria. Thus, it is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day, using dental floss and specific mouthwash that should be recommended by the dentist.
6. Tongue cancer
Tongue cancer can be identified by the presence of red or white spots on the mouth that do not disappear even with the correct cleaning of the mouth and tongue. In addition, there may be the appearance of other symptoms indicative of this type of cancer, such as pain in the tongue, bad smell and the presence of blood on the tongue, for example.
Although it is uncommon, if symptoms suggestive of tongue cancer appear, it is important to go to the dentist or general practitioner to make the diagnosis and start treatment.
