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What Causes Whiteness On Tongue?

Posted on Fri, 26 Sep 2014

Question:
Hello. Does my tongue look normal to you? I gave my boyfriend unprotected oral sex about a month ago, and shortly after i got a sinue infection so i was perscribed with amoxicillin and it gave me an oral thrush. I got antibiotics and a rinse for it and it went away a little but i feel like my tongue is still white? Can an oral thrush really last this long? Im also on birthcontrol so i dont know if that has something to do with it.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Geographic tongue and not oral thrush

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query.

I have examined the image thoroughly after zooming, and I could not see the typical oral thrush patches and your history does not support the same. It is more of a geographic tongue rather than oral thrush.

Geographic tongue is commonly seen in normal individuals, this is a sign of stress and vitamin deficiency in the body.

Do not worry! This is perfectly normal. My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water
2. Avoid coffee/tea/smoking/alcohol/chilled food and beverages
3. Consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
4. Try taking OTC oral multivitamins

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (59 minutes later)

How much longer does it last? Ive had it for about a month now. So it is nothing bad?

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It depends upon your body ability to regenerate...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

It is difficult to tell exactly when the epithelium can cover completely. It depends on your body ability to regenerate the epithelium (the lining over the tongue). And, I can assure you, it is perfectly normal and the present picture of your tongue is not going to cause any problems in the future.

Wish you good health

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (30 hours later)

Can you get an oral thrush by giving oral sex and is that a really bad thing?

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Performing oral sex will not cause oral thrush...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

Oral thrush is seen in immuno compromised individuals, diabetics, people on antibiotics for a longer duration, etc.

By performing oral sex one cannot contract oral thrush.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad