White Spot on the Tongue: Is It Serious?

Oral thrush, an overgrowth of a naturally occurring fungus, often appears when the immune system is depressed. Babies, denture wearers, patients with cancer, HIV and other immune-compromising conditions, anaemia and diabetes patients, smokers and dry mouth sufferers are all at a higher than normal risk of developing oral thrush. A course of antibiotics can also trigger an attack.

It's rarely serious, but a long-term infection may require treatment. Creamy white lesions on the tongue are one sign of thrush; other symptoms include:

• White patches in other areas of the mouth
• Lesions that look like cottage cheese
• Red, cracked corners of the mouth and lips
• Loss of taste
• Cotton mouth or dry mouth

Scraping oral thrush spots usually removes the white coating, but this can also cause slight bleeding.

A white spot on the tongue surrounded by a red, inflamed halo is probably a canker sore. These common and recurring lesions can be small or large and appear on its own or in groups. Canker sores are often painful, and scraping doesn't remove them.

Viruses, bacteria and immune system issues are some suspected causes of canker sores. Trauma, allergies, stress, cigarette smoking, iron and vitamin deficiencies make you more susceptible.

White or greyish patches called leucoplakia usually appear on the gums, the bottom of the mouth or the insides of the cheeks, but sometimes they appear on the tongue as well. Wiping or scraping does not change their appearance or texture, which may be thick or hardened.

Chewing or smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol cause most cases of leucoplakia, and about 75 percent of smokeless tobacco users develop leucoplakia. The condition also carries a small risk of developing into oral cancer.

Fuzzy white patches that appear on the sides of the tongue as ridges or folds are symptoms of hairy leucoplakia. These patches result from infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which lasts a lifetime but remains dormant in the body until a weakened immune system sparks an attack.

If a white spot on tongue doesn't go away after a week to ten days, visit your doctor to have it checked. Some conditions, like thrush, may go away on their own, but it's always wise to go see your dentist or doctor for a consultation to make sure it's not something more.

To help keep your mouth fresh and healthy and reduce the risks of white spots and other problems, brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Most people experience white spots on the tongue at some point in their lives and for many they're a common occurrence. Though the spots are unlikely to be harmful, they could be a sign of something more serious. If you're concerned, a check-up at your dentist can put your mind at rest.