Black Spot On Tongue Pictures

Black Spot On Tongue Pictures

Pictures of White Spots on Tongue

Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023

Tongue Problems

The tongue is made up of a mobile group of muscles that are attached to the floor of the mouth. The surface of the tongue is covered with small bumps called papillae. The majority of our taste buds are in these papillae.

The tongue is used for tasting, swallowing, and chewing food. The tongue is also used to form words for speaking. Typically, a tongue that is pink and moist with a thin slightly white, shiny coating on the surface is considered healthy. There are variations of surface texture that are normal and healthy as well.

As many of us have experienced, a tongue injury (such as when we accidentally bite our tongue) can be quite painful since the tongue is such an instrumental part of our daily lives through eating and speaking. Though very few people know it, the tongue is a very good measure of the well-being of the body. This is why a medical professional may use the tongue depressor to look in your mouth and tongue during an examination.

Common tongue problems

Some common problems associated with the tongue include:

  • Discoloration
  • Increased size
  • Abnormalities of the surface
  • Growths (bumps)
  • Pain
  • Taste concerns
  • Difficulty with movement

What are tongue problems in infants and children?

The most common tongue problem found amongst infants and young children is oral thrush characterized by white patches on the tongue. It often occurs after a course of antibiotics is taken by the infant or breastfeeding mother. “Good bacteria” is killed off allowing for an overgrowth of yeast. Treatment involves antifungal medications for the infant and, if breastfeeding, the mother to avoid passing the infection back and forth.

Other common tongue problems found in children are:

  • fissured tongue,
  • geographic tongue ,
  • traumatic injury, and
  • aphthous ulcers (canker sores).

A less common tongue problem in children is the “strawberry tongue,” as seen in Kawasaki’s disease.

What are tongue problems in pregnancy?

A small percentage of women experience a sore tongue while pregnant. This may be related to the hormonal changes taking place during pregnancy. The soreness could also be in combination with geographic tongue where bare areas are present and disappear as well as reappear. These conditions usually resolve after the pregnancy ends.

Types of tongue problems

White tongue

Color changes related to the tongue can range from a benign concern to one that requires medical attention. Often, a white tongue could be caused by a removable coating of food debris or bacterial plaque. Otherwise, the following are some common causes of the white tongue: oral thrush, leukoplakia, oral lichen planus, hairy leukoplakia, and linea alba.

Oral thrush (or candidiasis ) is caused by an overgrowth of yeast fungus in the mouth. The white patches can be scraped off to expose a red surface on the tongue. Illnesses, medications, stress, and antibiotic treatment can cause oral thrush by throwing off the balance of natural bacteria in the mouth. Those with diabetes are more prone to fungal infections , such as oral thrush. Lozenges, tablets, or liquid antifungals are used for treatment.

Leukoplakia is characterized by white patches that cannot be scraped off and may be related to chronic irritation in the mouth, although the cause is not always known. Tobacco use is the most common factor that contributes to leukoplakia. The condition may resolve after smoking cessation. Sometimes the patches are on the sides of the tongue and could be related to constant rubbing next to the lower teeth . Although leukoplakia is usually benign, it can also be the precursor to oral cancer. The risk of cancer increases with the age of the individual, the size of the lesion, and several lesions present. A biopsy may be recommended after clinical evaluation by the doctor. Sometimes, the area can be monitored for changes by the doctor. Monitoring is usually performed during routine dental visits or visits with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.

Oral lichen planus on the tongue is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by an autoimmune response (the body’s immune system attacking its tissue). It is characterized by a white lace-like pattern called reticular lichen planus . (There is an erosive form that presents as shallow mouth ulcers and can be treated with topical steroids.) Regular monitoring of this condition is recommended for any changes that (although rare) could lead to oral cancer . A biopsy may be recommended.

Hairy leukoplakia is a white patch on the side of the tongue that appears hairy or rough. This condition is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and is usually related to immunocompromised individuals. HIV testing should be considered if hairy leukoplakia appears without a known immune-compromising condition. Antiviral medications such as acyclovir (Zovirax) may be used. Recurrence of hairy leukoplakia is common.

The linea alba is a benign condition that is characterized by a thin white line at the lateral (side) borders of the tongue. It is caused by the thickening of the epithelium due to trauma or irritation from chewing. No treatment is necessary for linea alba.

Red tongue

There are obvious causes of the red color change of the tongue, such as something you ate (strawberries or red-colored foods). Some acidic foods can cause temporary redness and discomfort. However, a raspberry-colored tongue can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Some red color changes on the tongue (“strawberry tongue”) could be related to a vitamin deficiency, Kawasaki disease, or a strep infection (scarlet fever).

Erythroplakia is a red area or lesion that cannot be rubbed off on the tongue (except for the color, it is similar to leukoplakia). A lesion with a combined white and red appearance is called erythroleukoplakia. These lesions are all considered to have premalignant potential. Erythroplakia and erythroleukoplakia have an increased risk of premalignancy compared to leukoplakia. In addition to appearance, there is a concern if the lesion or sore does not go away or grows in size. A biopsy is recommended by an oral surgeon or an ENT specialist to rule out oral cancer.

Black tongue

A black tongue is usually a harmless condition that can be caused by medications, smoking, poor oral hygiene, a soft diet, or dry mouth. A black tongue is usually associated with elongated tongue papillae and thus, it is called “black hairy tongue” (lingua villosa nigra). The cause is thought to be a change in the normal bacteria in the mouth after antibiotic treatment or the use of products that contain bismuth such as Pepto-Bismol. (“Hairy tongue” by itself can also be white or tan.) Treatment of black hairy tongues may involve improving one’s diet , smoking cessation, and improved oral hygiene (including gently brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush or scraping the tongue).

Increased size or tongue swelling

Swelling or enlargement of the tongue referred to as macroglossia can be caused by allergies, medications, injuries, or an underlying medical condition such as amyloidosis. Addressing the underlying condition is the usual treatment for macroglossia.

Allergic reactions to medications, food, or even a bee sting can cause swelling of the tongue. In the case of sudden and rapid onset of swelling of the tongue, one should seek emergency care as breathing can become compromised.

Tongue swelling can also be a side effect of medication. Some medications that have this side effect are ACE inhibitors (to treat high blood pressure) and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Aleve, Advil, and aspirin.

An injury from hot food or liquid that burns the tongue or simply biting the tongue can irritate the tongue to cause swelling.

Conditions such as oral thrush or oral herpes viruses can cause the tongue to swell due to inflammation. Other medical conditions include tumorous cancer, acromegaly (giantism), amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, hypothyroidism, and Kawasaki disease. Tongue swelling can also be found in individuals with Down syndrome.

Growths on the tongue

Traumatic fibroma is commonly found on the tongue and appears as a raised, thickened nodule that is dome-shaped, pink, and smooth. It is the result of chronic irritation of one area of the tongue, particularly along the bite line of the tongue. It is considered benign. An excisional biopsy is usually performed to definitively diagnose the lesion and completely excise it from the tongue.

Previously mentioned colored lesions, leukoplakia (white), erythroplakia (red), and erythroleukoplakia (red-white), are also classified as growths of the tongue. In most instances, a biopsy is recommended for these lesions to rule out premalignancy.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common cancer related to the oral cavity, making up 90% of all oral cancers. Oral cancer makes up approximately 2% of all cancers in the U.S. It commonly involves the lateral surface of the tongue. Risk factors for SCC are older age (age 40 and up), tobacco use, and alcohol use. In younger individuals, cases of SCC often are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). In recent years, HPV has been found to contribute more to the incidence rate of oral cancers. SCC clinically presents as a thickened rough surface over a red or white base. Nodules and ulcerations may follow as the growth progresses. In some cases, the tumor will be present at the base of the tongue and will be difficult to detect until it reaches its late stage of development. Treatment for SCC involves a mix of surgical removal, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. Immunotherapy and gene therapy are examples of newer treatments being investigated. Clinical trials of a new treatment may be a possible option for advanced cancers. Each individual should understand the nature of cancer and the options available for treatment to make the best decisions.

Abnormalities of the tongue surface

Smooth areas of the tongue may be related to injury (food burn) or a nutritional deficiency of iron, folate, or vitamin B12. A smooth tongue can also result from the use of dentures.

“Geographic tongue” (or benign migratory glossitis) is the most common tongue condition. It is found in up to 14% of the U.S. population. It is a benign condition that appears as bare or smooth areas on the dorsum of the tongue. It may be one area or several areas and may even vary from time to time. It is usually painless; however, the smooth areas may have sensitivity to spicy or acidic foods for some individuals. No treatment is recommended.

Fissured tongue is the second most common tongue condition and is characterized by a deepening of normal tongue fissures and is usually associated with aging. Some medical conditions are linked to the fissured tongue and include Sjögren’s syndrome, psoriasis, Down syndrome, and acromegaly. No treatment is required unless food debris and bacteria get trapped and cause inflammation of the tongue’s papillae. Gentle brushing should alleviate the problem.

As previously mentioned, the hairy tongue is the hypergrowth of the tongue’s papillae and is usually associated with white, tan, or black discoloration. Hairy tongue is the third most common tongue condition and is considered harmless. Gentle brushing or scraping of the tongue may be helpful. No other treatment is necessary.

Median rhomboid glossitis is a lesion at the midline of the dorsum of the tongue. It usually looks like a smooth, red, shiny, and sharply defined area. The underlying cause is usually a fungal infection. Treatment options include topical oral antifungal agents such as nystatin (Mycostatin) or fluconazole (Diflucan).

Tongue pain

Pain with the tongue can be associated with anemia, canker sores (aphthous ulcers), oral herpes, neuralgia, cancer, poorly fitting dentures , or irritation from dental work.

Canker sores are commonly found on the tongue and can be very painful. They appear as a yellow-white center with a red halo. These ulcerations are thought to be caused by local injury, stress, or genetic predisposition; however, no definitive cause has been found. No treatment is usually necessary as these ulcerations generally resolve in less than two weeks.

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Oral herpes is caused by the herpes virus and appears as fluid-filled lesions. These lesions usually resolve in two weeks, but oral herpes can also be treated with antiviral medications such as acyclovir (Zovirax) to shorten the duration of symptoms.

“Burning mouth syndrome” is a phenomenon that often includes the tongue (often called “burning tongue”). Other symptoms include increased thirst with the feeling of a dry mouth , as well as an altered or metallic taste. It has been associated with other conditions that include menopause, anxiety, depression, acid reflux, nutritional deficiencies, and mouth conditions such as dry mouth or oral thrush. Treatment is usually for the underlying condition (for example antifungals for oral thrush, supplements for nutrition deficiencies, or medications to treat anxiety or depression ).

The altered sensation of the tongue

Paresthesia is an abnormal or altered sensation. Paresthesia of the tongue can occur with damage to the lingual nerve, the nerve of sensation for the tongue. The most common cause of lingual nerve damage occurs during wisdom teeth extractions where the nerve is very close to the tooth being extracted. The nerve damage is usually noticed well after the procedure and symptoms include altered, decreased, or complete loss of sensation. Senses of pain, taste, touch, perception of temperature, and perception of relative position and movement (proprioception) may be affected. The sensation of “pins and needles” similar to being numb during a dental procedure may persist. Usually, treatment involves waiting for the nerve to self-repair itself for a period of six months to a year. If there is no improvement, surgery may be an option to repair the injured nerve.

Taste problems

Dysgeusia is the term used to describe the distortion of the sense of taste. Common causes of dysgeusia include medications, cancer therapy, dry mouth, gum disease, and the common cold or flu. Cancer therapy that involves chemotherapy and radiation to the head and neck area can greatly affect the taste. Radiation therapy can damage taste buds and salivary glands. Decreased flow of saliva causes a dry mouth and further compounds the problem. Cigarette smoking also can affect the taste. Dysgeusia can be a temporary condition and should be resolved once the cause is eliminated. Damage to taste buds through radiation therapy may require time for healing to occur. The taste may slowly return and greatly depends on the amount of damage from radiation therapy. Artificial saliva and zinc supplementation may help in restoring taste for some individuals. A lack of taste sensation (ageusia) is rare.

Problems with tongue movement

Tongue movement problems are often caused by nerve damage (for example, post-stroke or post-surgery nerve damage). Limited tongue mobility can greatly affect our eating, swallowing, and speech. Depending on the extent of nerve damage, sometimes physical therapy may help in regaining control of the tongue.

Ankyloglossia, also known as “tongue-tie,” is a less common condition where a band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short or tight and impedes tongue movement. Because the tongue is vital for sucking, infants with ankyloglossia may be unable to breastfeed properly. For toddlers and older children, sometimes the tongue can compensate for most oral functions, but speech may be affected. The treatment for ankyloglossia is a surgical procedure (frenulectomy) that relaxes the tight band of tissue that restricts the tongue’s movements.

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What causes tongue problems?

There are many possible causes of tongue problems, ranging from harmless to serious. Individuals can be born with a harmless tongue condition. A more serious condition such as tongue cancer can be related to risk factors such as smoking and drinking alcohol. Additionally, a tongue problem may be a result of an underlying medical condition.

What are the risk factors for tongue problems?

Depending on the tongue problem, risk factors may include smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, poor oral hygiene, viral infections, a weak immune system, and even stress.

What specialists diagnose and treat tongue problems?

Depending on the tongue problem, there is a specific doctor for treatment. Initially, evaluation of tongue problems can be assessed by a dentist and if needed, an appropriate specialist can be recommended for further evaluation and subsequent treatment.

For tongue lesions such as changes in color, growths, or texture changes, an oral surgeon or an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist, also known as an ENT specialist) can evaluate the area, perform a biopsy, and follow up or refer for appropriate treatment such as surgery or medication. Tongue pain may also be addressed with an oral surgeon or ENT, but a neurology specialist may be appropriate if the pain is related to neuralgia. Tongue movement problems stemming from injury may also be treated by a neurology specialist in conjunction with occupational or physical therapists.

For tongue cancer, a group of specialists could be involved depending on the spread of the disease. A head and neck surgeon, an oncologist, a radiation oncologist, an oral surgeon, and a dentist could comprise the team of doctors that help in treating the oral cancer patient.

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How do healthcare professionals diagnose tongue problems?

During an examination with a physician or dentist, information based on symptoms and clinical appearance is collected. Imaging may also be needed to aid in diagnosis. The different imaging modalities include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET). Based on the collective information, a diagnosis is made. However, if there isn’t a unique sign or symptom to distinguish the tongue problem, a differential diagnosis is reviewed. A differential diagnosis lists all the possible causes of the signs and symptoms. It is a systematic process of weighing the probability of one disease versus that of other diseases that may account for the tongue problem. For example, a white tongue lesion may have a differential diagnosis of lichen planus , leukoplakia, or contact inflammation from dentures. Each of these causes can be carefully considered based on what is observed. Subsequently, a plan of treatment can be made.

For many tongue conditions that might be cancer, a special dye called toluidine blue has been useful to aid during the initial evaluation. Toluidine blue staining can help in the early identification of precancerous or cancerous lesions.

A more definite diagnosis requires a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure whereby a sample of cells or tissue is evaluated under a microscope. Optimal treatment requires a precise diagnosis.

What are the treatments for tongue problems?

The treatment of a tongue problem depends on the underlying cause. For some tongue problems, no treatment is necessary whereas, for other conditions, medications, surgery, or radiation may be needed. If the tongue issue is a result of an underlying medical condition, treatment of the underlying problem can be key to solving the problem.

Are there home remedies for tongue problems?

For pain related to the tongue, over-the-counter pain-relief medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) may help. “Burning tongue” pain may be alleviated by sucking on ice or bathing the tongue in cold water. Such home remedies, however, may provide only temporary relief.

For the most part, tongue conditions that appear to have no known cause (such as an obvious injury) should be evaluated by a physician or dentist for appropriate diagnosis, monitoring, and possible treatment.

What is the prognosis for tongue problems?

Fortunately, most tongue problems are benign and treatable. Therefore, the prognosis is generally very good.

Regarding growths on the tongue, the main concern is oral cancer. Early detection and treatment usually provide the best chance for recovery and survival. The prognosis for oral cancer is dependent upon the stage of cancer, the location of the tumor, and whether the cancer has spread to blood vessels. Frequent follow-up and close monitoring are crucial parts of care. Unfortunately, the overall prognosis for oral cancer is generally poor. In the U.S., approximately half of the individuals newly diagnosed with oral cancer do not survive after more than five years. Despite advances in treatment with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, the poor prognosis is due to the cancer being discovered at a later stage in its development.

When treating tongue cancer with surgery, the patient may experience the complication of numbness of the tongue. The numbness may or may not resolve. Radiation and chemotherapy treatment may also cause decreased saliva flow and changes in taste that may take time to improve or not improve at all.

Is it possible to prevent tongue problems?

Some tongue problems are preventable by practicing good oral hygiene and eating a healthy, nutritious diet. Some tongue conditions cannot be prevented at all, but symptoms may be managed with treatment. Other tongue problems may be a byproduct of an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed. For example, signs of an HIV infection (or final stage of HIV infection, AIDS) often appear in the mouth along with other bodily symptoms. HIV testing is important in determining if HIV treatment and care are needed.

Exercising moderation or altogether quitting the habit of smoking and drinking alcohol will decrease the risk of developing oral cancer. A vaccine for HPV is being studied, and it may help in guarding against oral cancers, as well. Oral cancer screenings should always take place during routine dental visits. Screenings can also take place with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physician. These oral cancer screenings involve an examination of all the soft tissues in the mouth, including the tongue, floor of the mouth (under the tongue), palate (roof of the mouth), inside of the cheeks, and throat area.

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References

Daniels, T.E., and R.C. Jordan. “Diseases of the mouth and salivary glands.” In: Goldman, L., Schafer, A.I., eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine, 25th Ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016: chap 425.

Gao, Jianming, et al. “A case-control study on etiological factors involved in patients with burning mouth syndrome.” Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine 38.1: 24-28.

Majorana, Alessandra, et al. “Oral mucosal lesions in children from 0 to 12 years old: ten years’ experience.” Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod (2010).

Reamy, Brian, et al. “Common Tongue Conditions in Primary Care.” American Family Physician (2010): 627-634.

Top Tongue Problems Related Articles

What Your Tongue Says About Your Health

Colors, spots, patches, and lumps can all give you clues about your health. Find out from WebMD what your tongue is telling you.

Anemia

Anemia (lack of blood) symptoms can vary depending on the cause. Symptoms may include fatigue, pale skin, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness. There are several anemia types. Anemia treatment depends upon the type.

Cancer

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Dental Health Quiz

Take the Dental Health Quiz to test your IQ of oral hygiene, cavities, and common tongue and gum diseases. This quiz covers healthy mouths and teeth from brushing to flossing and everything in between check-ups!

Dentures

Dentures, removable replacements for missing teeth, come in two types: partial and complete dentures. Dental implants and bridges are suitable alternatives to dentures. Though it usually takes a while to get used to eating and speaking with new dentures, denture adhesives can improve the stability of the denture and provide a sense of security for the denture wearer.

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Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2)

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue.

Fun Facts About Your Tongue

Is your tongue the strongest muscle in the body? Can you see your taste buds? How long is the average tongue? Learn fun facts about your tongue and taste buds!

HIV Testing

HIV testing is performed on blood (most common) and saliva, depending on the type of test. It is important to know that there is a period between getting infected with HIV and when it becomes detectable.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is any state in which thyroid hormone production is below normal. Normally, the rate of thyroid hormone production is controlled by the brain by the pituitary gland. Hypothyroidism is a very common condition and the symptoms of hypothyroidism are often subtle but may include constipation, memory loss, hair loss, and depression. There are a variety of causes of hypothyroidism, and treatment depends on the cause.

Stress

Stress is a normal part of life, but chronic or severe stress can be harmful to your health. Learn what happens in your body when you are stressed and how you can manage your response.

Thrush (Oral Candidiasis)

Thrush is an infection of the mouth caused by the Candida fungus. Symptoms of thrush include pain or difficulty swallowing, a feeling that food gets stuck in the throat, and fever. Treatment of thrush depends on the cause and severity of the infection. Infants, toddlers, and children with thrush often do not require treatment.

Mouth Problems: TMJ, Canker Sores, Painful Gums and More

Sores, painful gums, bad breath — what’s going on in your mouth? Find out with our slideshow of the most common mouth problems. Learn about canker sores, cold sores, oral thrush, TMJ, and oral cancer. See what treatments for bad breath and other dental problems are available from your dentist.

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What Does It Mean When You Have Bumps on the Back of Your Tongue?

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Yeast Infections (Thrush in Babies) Picture

Thrush is a yeast infection that causes white patches in the mouth and on the tongue. See a picture of Yeast Infection (Thrush) and learn more about the health topic.

Pictures of White Spots on Tongue

White patches or spots on the tongue can be caused by various reasons. They may be from a sore created by biting the tongue or from an underlying condition like thrush. These spots can occur on any surface of the tongue, feel sore, and make it difficult to eat or drink.

Read on to learn more about white spots on the tongue, what they look like, and when to see a healthcare provider.

South_agency / Getty Images

Causes and Pictures of White Spots on Tongue

White spots on the tongue may be from an infection, illness, or another cause. Explore what these spots look like and identifies the underlying illness or cause.

Geographic Tongue

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.

Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023

Geographic tongue is an inflammatory tongue condition also known as benign migratory glossitis . It is due to the loss of the papilla (the tiny white bumps that cover the tongue). The condition causes reddened, smooth areas on the tongue surrounded by white, irregular borders. It may cause burning or stinging when eating or drinking certain foods and beverages.

Hairy Leukoplakia

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.

Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Professor Deborah Greenspan dermnetnz.org 2023

Hairy leukoplakia is most commonly seen in people with weakened immune systems, primarily people with HIV. It is caused by the Ebstein-Barr virus (EBV) and appears as white, hairy patches on the tongue. Hairy leukoplakia can also occur in other areas of the mouth besides the tongue.

Oral Lichen Planus

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.

Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonen dermnetnz.org 2023

Oral lichen planus is a condition that causes white, lacey patches in the tongue or any area in the mouth. It may cause no other symptoms or may be painful with sores and redness.

Syphilis on Tongue

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.

Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023

Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It can cause sores called chancres . These may be present in the mouth. As the condition progresses it develops white patches in the mouth and tongue.

Oral Thrush

Tunatura / Getty Images

Thrush is an infection in the mouth caused by overgrowth of a fungus called Candida. It causes white areas in the mouth and tongue that bleed when brushed or scraped.

Canker Sore

4kodiak / Getty Images

A canker sore is a small ulcer, or sore, in the mouth or on the tongue. It typically appears as a small white spot surrounded by redness. It can be caused by biting, stress, or certain foods, or the cause may be unknown.

Leukoplakia

Public Domain Image

Leukoplakia is a white spot or patch in the oral cavity and can occur on the tongue. This spot or patch is not easily scraped off. It can be a precancerous condition and may progress to cancer. Your risks are increased if you smoke, use smokeless tobacco, or use alcohol heavily.

White Spots, Patches, and Bumps: Key Differences

When someone has a white spot, patch, or bump on their tongue or mouth, it is important to note the characteristics and other symptoms seen and felt with these changes.

White areas may be localized, only in one small spot, or can cover large areas of the tongue or mouth. It may also have open sores that cause pain, tenderness, or stinging.

The underlying condition causing the symptoms will mark the key differences between what people see or experience.

Can You Remove White Spots on Tongue at Home?

Tongue scrapers and toothbrushes are often used to remove white coatings of food debris and bacteria from the tongue. A 2022 study found that tongue scrapers were just as effective as toothbrushes in improving mouth odor and removing white tongue coatings.

Anyone living with a medical condition, like the ones listed above, that is causing white patches, spots, or bumps should not attempt to remove them at home. These changes in the mouth are due to an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated by a healthcare provider, and removing the spots may cause additional injury.

When to See a Dentist

A dentist can evaluate white spots on the tongue and mouth and develop a treatment plan personalized to your needs.

You should see a dentist if you have any white spots, patches, or bumps in your mouth or tongue that do not go away or worsen. If you’re experiencing any of the below symptoms along with white areas in your mouth, you should contact your healthcare provider:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Redness or swelling
  • Pus

A Word From Verywell

White spots on the tongue can be confusing. When in doubt, seek help from your dentist. Come prepared with an organized timeline of when this started, has it changed, and what makes it better or worse.

Summary

White spots on the tongue are signs that there may be an underlying infection or illness. It also may be from an injury to the tongue. If these spots do not go away or are accompanied by other symptoms like a fever or chills, contact a healthcare provider.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. MedlinePlus. Thrush – children and adults.
  2. DermNet. Geographic tongue.
  3. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Oral hairy leukoplakia.
  4. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Lichen planus.
  5. Penn Medicine. Syphilis.
  6. National Healthcare Service. Mouth ulcers.
  7. Canadian Cancer Society. Precancerous conditions of the mouth.
  8. Choi HN, Cho YS, Koo JW. The effect of mechanical tongue cleaning on oral malodor and tongue coating. IJERPH. 2021;19(1):108. doi:10.3390%2Fijerph19010108

By Patty Weasler, RN, BSN
Weasler is a Wisconsin-based registered nurse with over a decade of experience in pediatric critical care.

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Dr Narelle Bleasel FACD
Dr Narelle Bleasel FACD

Dermatologist in Battery Point, Australia

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