DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
A coating of the tongue consisting of microorganisms, food residues, exfoliated horny cells and thread-like papillae of the tongue.
TherapyThis section has been translated automatically.
See Table 1.
TablesThis section has been translated automatically.
Etiology and therapy of the coating of the tongue
Tongue coating |
Etiology |
Therapy |
Grey-white |
Detritus masses due to elongation of the horny processes of the Papillae filiformes |
Careful oral care and hygiene (e.g. brushing with a soft toothbrush), Vit.C lozenges |
White |
Candidosis of the oral mucosa, harmless in milk drinkers |
S.u. Candidosis of the oral mucosa |
Grey |
E.g. in cases of anaemia, ventricular ulcers, organ tuberculosis |
Causal therapy, treatment of the underlying systemic disease |
Black |
Chemical stimuli (smoking, spicy mouthwashes etc.), pigment-forming bacteria, fungi, nicotinic acid amide deficiency |
S.u. hair tongue, black |
Greyish yellowish |
e.g. with intoxications |
Detoxification if necessary |
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer
Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles