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The tongue is a multi-functional sense of taste. Apart from detecting taste, the tongue also helps you to speak and chew your food. Normally, a healthy tongue is pink. However, due to health problems the tongue can turn green. So, how do you deal with a green tongue? Come on, see how to fix it below.
Why did the tongue turn green?
Did you know that the tongue can detect oral health? Yes, this can be seen from the change in the color of the tongue, one of which is a green tongue. This condition is not caused by green food or drink, but by health problems, including:
Oral thrush
This disease makes your taste buds turn white, but over time the tongue will turn greenish. In addition to a greenish tongue, this fungal infection also causes bumps on the tongue, pain in the tongue that makes it difficult to swallow or speak, and bleeds easily if scratched by food or a toothbrush.
Leukoplakia
The discoloration of the tongue due to leukoplakia is the same as for oral thrush. Initially it turned white then turned greenish. This condition usually occurs in people who frequently smoke and drink alcohol.
Oral cancer
A green tongue can occur due to abnormal cells in the sense of taste. In addition, the symptoms of oral cancer that may occur are the presence of sores such as mouth sores that don't heal, the tongue is prone to bleeding, the tongue swells, and the areas of the lips, face, and chin will be numb.
Hairy tongue
This condition indicates the presence of a small protrusion on the tongue that looks like hairs. This rough surface will cause yeast bacteria or mold to develop, turning a greenish color. In addition to the changing color of the tongue, there will be a burning sensation on the tongue and the ability to detect a dull taste.
Lichen planus
The presence of a rash on the tongue that grows bake or yeast will cause a greenish tongue. Apart from turning the tongue green, lichen planus also causes a burning sensation in the mouth.
How to deal with green tongue and prevent recurrence
Overcoming a green tongue must be in accordance with the underlying cause. So, still give priority to consulting a doctor. In most cases, this health problem is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection in the mouth. Well, the treatment options you can do include:
- Using an antifungal medication, such as nystatin, fluconazole, itraconazole, or clotrimazole to stop the yeast infection and kill it
- Take the antibiotics your doctor prescribes to kill the bacteria causing the infection
- Treat with vitamin A or retinoids to treat leukoplakia
- Take antihistamines or corticosteroids to treat inflammation in the tongue or mouth. Then, take ibuprofen or paracetamol to reduce pain
- Meanwhile, if caused by cancer, treatment will be adjusted according to the stage, type, and location of the abnormal cells. Treatment usually includes, surgical removal of cancer cells, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, nutritional therapy, and therapy targeted therapy.
Apart from doctor's treatment, there are supporting treatments to help speed up the recovery of a green tongue and prevent recurrence, namely:
- Brush your teeth twice a day regularly in the morning and at night, after eating and before going to bed
- Do it flossing every day to reduce bacteria and dirt stuck to the teeth and tongue
- Avoid mouthwashes that contain harsh chemicals or are high in alcohol
- Rinse your mouth with a saline solution to kill the bacteria that cause infection
- Increase your intake of foods containing probiotics, such as yogurt
- Drink lots of water and keep blood sugar levels stable by reducing sugary foods
- Avoid toothpaste that irritates your mouth, such as flavored toothpaste
- Routinely check your oral and dental health during the treatment period and afterwards
