White tongue: What causes it?

Although unsightly, a white tongue is usually a temporary, harmless condition. It is due to inflammation of the finger-like projections (papillae) on the surface of your tongue. Debris, bacteria and dead cells get lodged between the inflamed papillae — creating the appearance of a white coating.

Many things can cause inflammation of the papillae, including smoking, mild dehydration and excessive mouth breathing. To prevent or improve the appearance of a white tongue:

• Brush your tongue on a regular basis.
• Quit smoking, if you're a smoker.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Increase fiber in your diet. Crunchy foods — such as apples, broccoli and popcorn — help scrape debris from your tongue.

If you're concerned about color changes in your tongue, consult your doctor or dentist.