What causes thin white tongue coating? What causes it?

The tongue coating is closely related to health. When you go to see a Chinese doctor, the doctor will always ask you to look at your tongue. So what is the reason for the white tongue coating? Let’s explore the truth together!

What is the cause of thin white tongue coating?

Generally speaking, there will be a thin, white, moist, mossy substance on the tongue, which is the tongue coating. The tongue coating is composed of desquamated keratinized epithelium, saliva, bacteria, food debris and exuded white blood cells. "Thin, white and moist" is the healthy state of the tongue coating. However, once the body is sick, eats less or only eats soft food, which reduces chewing and tongue movements, or reduces saliva secretion, the tongue coating will become thicker. Not only that, some diseases may also cause the appearance of tongue coating of other colors.

White tongue coating is a common phenomenon. When the tongue coating is white, we will feel that the tongue seems to be thicker and a little astringent, and sometimes accompanied by bitterness in the mouth. So what is the reason for the white tongue coating?

Experts say that there are many reasons for the white tongue coating, and sometimes it is not necessarily a manifestation of disease. If the tongue coating becomes thicker or white and there are no other symptoms of discomfort in the body, it is most likely due to getting angry, and bad breath often occurs at this time. In addition, if the tongue coating is white for a long time, it is best to see a doctor. Of course, the following situations will also cause white coating:

1. White tongue coating may also appear in patients with mild illness, initial symptoms or recovery period of illness, such as upper respiratory tract infection, acute bronchitis, early pneumonia, etc.

2. White tongue coating may appear in patients with water retention or phlegm in the body. Clinically, it is common in patients with certain pleural effusion, ascites, chronic nephritis, asthma, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, etc., who have dampness or phlegm retention in the body, causing thick white or greasy white tongue coating.

3. Various chronic inflammatory infections: Patients with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pyelonephritis, tuberculous meningitis, bone and joint tuberculosis, etc. have a tongue coating that is slightly thicker than normal, or a thin, white, greasy coating.