Gray coating on the tongue
Gray plaque on the tongue is the formation of layers of varying density, size and shape on the mucous surface of the tongue. In most cases, gray plaque is an indicator that some pathological processes are taking place in the body. A gray coating signals serious diseases, most often of a chronic nature. The denser and darker the layering, the more serious the pathology.
Content:
- Causes of gray plaque on the tongue
- Symptoms of gray plaque on the tongue
- Treatment of gray plaque in the tongue
Causes of gray plaque on the tongue
The reasons for the appearance on the organ of a layer wearing a gray shade can be varied.
Among them are the following:
- Diseases of the digestive system: stomach ulcer, obstruction of the biliary tract, gastritis, enterocolitis, etc.
- Infectious diseases: tonsillitis, pneumonia, measles, scarlet fever.
- Inflammation of the oropharynx, such as tonsillitis and pharyngitis, both acute and chronic.
- HIV infection.
- Dehydration, in which additional symptoms are dryness of the mucous membranes and skin, a tendency to constipation, fatigue.
- Taking courses of antibiotic therapy and the development of dysbiosis against this background. Hormonal medications can also cause this condition.
- Violation of the diet, in particular, the use of excessively salty, spicy or fried foods.
- Liver disease.
- Respiratory system diseases. In particular, such pathologies include bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia. After the human body copes with the infection, the tongue regains its original pink color.
- Lack of basic hygiene skills for oral care. To cope with this problem will help not only regular brushing of teeth, but also competent care of the tongue and gums.
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An increase in body temperature can lead to a gray film on the tongue.
Symptoms of gray plaque on the tongue
Gray plaque on the receptor organ itself is a symptom indicating the presence of pathology in the body. Therefore, when determining the signs of gray plaque, it is advisable to talk about the accompanying symptoms.
Among the most common are the following:
- Bad breath.
- Dry mucous membranes.
- Cracks in the tongue.
- The presence of ulcers and abscesses in the oral cavity.
- The appearance of plaque only on the tip of the tongue (indicates heart or lung disease).
- The appearance of plaque on the root of the tongue (indicates diseases of the intestines and kidneys).
- The appearance of plaque on the lateral surface of the tongue (indicates malfunctions in the work of the liver or gallbladder).
Treatment of gray plaque in the tongue
In order to get rid of gray plaque, you need to consult a doctor and find out the reason for its appearance. A competent specialist only at the location of the overlays, their density and shade is able to guess what kind of disease a person is suffering from.
Often, a gray bloom occurs only due to the fact that a person has serious errors in nutrition. It is enough to remove them and the plaque will disappear on its own, without taking any medication. However, if the plaque has a dark color and high density, then, most likely, we are talking about a disease of a particular organ or organ system.
The first doctor to whom it is worth contacting with a complaint about the gray overlays that have appeared in the language is the therapist. He, if such a need arises, will redirect the patient to a narrower specialist. Suspecting a pathology on the part of the respiratory system, the patient will be prescribed a number of studies, after which either a course of antibiotics or antiviral agents will be prescribed. Physiotherapy is often used to treat bronchitis, tracheitis, sinusitis and other diseases.
If the cause of the formation of gray plaque was problems with the digestive organs, then the patient is redirected to a gastroenterologist. He, depending on the nature of the disease, prescribes antacids, probiotics, enzymes or choleretic agents.
When a person with a gray coating on the tongue suffers from dehydration, he is shown to normalize the drinking regimen. An additional recommendation would be to limit salty foods on the daily menu.
If a gray plaque is formed as a result of a decrease in immunity, then the patient is recommended to take vitamin complexes and, if necessary, prescribe immunostimulants. It is important to give up bad habits and normalize your lifestyle and diet.
When the cause of plaque formation is oral candidiasis, stomatitis or illiterate hygiene, then you should contact your dentist. He will give advice on how to care for the tongue, gums and teeth, prescribe antifungal and antiseptic drugs.
Do not self-medicate. The only exception is the case when plaque is formed as a result of ingestion of coloring food. In this case, it is enough to brush the tongue with a soft brush to bring it back to normal.
Forecast of gray plaque in the tongue
The prognosis for getting rid of gray plaque in the tongue depends on what was the factor that stimulates its appearance. It is beneficial if the cause is inadequate oral hygiene or improper diet. In this case, with the normalization of the menu and with proper care of the oral cavity, it will be possible to get rid of gray plaque in the shortest possible time.
The situation is more complicated in the case when the plaque was formed due to a disease of the internal organs. In this case, the prognosis will depend on the severity of the initial pathology. Therefore, if, in addition to gray overlays on the tongue, there are pains in the abdomen, bad breath, reflux, etc., then it is worth seeking help from a specialist as soon as possible. The longer a person with a gray bloom will delay the trip to the doctor, the less favorable the prognosis for recovery becomes and the more difficult the therapeutic process will be.
The author of the article: Gorshenina Elena Ivanovna | Gastroenterologist
Education: Diploma in the specialty "General Medicine" received at the Russian State Medical University named after N. I. Pirogova (2005). Postgraduate studies in the specialty "Gastroenterology" - educational and scientific medical center.
