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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Yellow Substance At The Back Of The Tongue?

Hi I have a slight yellowy gunk that tends to be at the back of my Tongue around my large papillae at the back of my Tongue. What is this and should I use a tooth brush to remove it. It just after I scrubbed it I appear to have a sore throat and wondered if I could have damaged them. Thank u for your time
Mon, 20 Jul 2015
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I have gone through your query and can understand your health concerns..

As per your complain slight yellow coating on the back of tongue can generally be a harmless condition and can occur due to:

1. Entrapping of dead cells by the tongue papillae and at times the dead cells gets stained with food products, tobacco,tea and coffee or other items.

2.It can also be due to post nasal drip and throat infection leading to yellowish layer on tongue as a result of infection.

3. Due to poor oral hygeine..

-You can gargle with warm saline water.
-Gently clean the tongue with a very dilute solution [1 part of hydrogen peroxide and 5 parts of water] using a brush and then gargle with water ..
-If you have throat infection, cold or post nasal drip treatment of the same should be done..
-Use a tongue cleaner and clean your tongue daily after brushing your teeth..

Hope this information helps..

If you find the answer helpful please give me a Five Star Review and click on found the answer helpful as a token of appreciation..

Thanks and regards..
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora..
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What Is The Yellow Substance At The Back Of The Tongue?

Hi.. Welcome to Healthcare Magic. I have gone through your query and can understand your health concerns.. As per your complain slight yellow coating on the back of tongue can generally be a harmless condition and can occur due to: 1. Entrapping of dead cells by the tongue papillae and at times the dead cells gets stained with food products, tobacco,tea and coffee or other items. 2.It can also be due to post nasal drip and throat infection leading to yellowish layer on tongue as a result of infection. 3. Due to poor oral hygeine.. -You can gargle with warm saline water. -Gently clean the tongue with a very dilute solution [1 part of hydrogen peroxide and 5 parts of water] using a brush and then gargle with water .. -If you have throat infection, cold or post nasal drip treatment of the same should be done.. -Use a tongue cleaner and clean your tongue daily after brushing your teeth.. Hope this information helps.. If you find the answer helpful please give me a Five Star Review and click on found the answer helpful as a token of appreciation.. Thanks and regards.. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora..