Green plaque on the tongue: causes of a child and an adult, elimination of a greenish color

Language is an organ that reflects the state of health of the body. Signs of any pathology are primarily manifested on the mucous membranes, among which the tongue takes pride of place, since changes on its mucous membrane are visible to the naked eye.

If a person is healthy, language has a pink color and a smooth surface, covered with a film of salivary secretion. The appearance of green plaque is a signal that unpleasant changes or malfunctions have occurred in the body.

Why does the tongue turn green?

The main reasons that provoke a green coating on the tongue:

1. Food colorings. The reason is not pathological and the appearance of a green tint is caused by a coloring matter in the food. Therefore, before you panic, you need to remember whether food was consumed containing food colors.
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2. Fungal diseases. The most common fungus that causes the tongue to turn green is Candida. It is part of the healthy microflora of most people, however, provoking factors such as a decrease in immunity, can cause a sharp increase in its activity, which leads to an unpleasant disease - thrush.
3. Diseases of the digestive system. If, in addition to a greenish tint, the tongue is covered cracks, the likelihood of disruption of the gastrointestinal tract is high.
4. Violation of hygiene standards. Teeth cleaning morning and evening must be accompanied and cleaning the tongue. The organ is cleared of food debris and plaque, thus avoiding the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi in the oral cavity. Cleaning is performed with the bristles of an ordinary toothbrush or a special silicone relief behind it, making circular movements over the entire surface.
5. Lack of vitamins. With an unbalanced diet, the body requires the vitamins it needs in this way.
6. Having bad habits. Smoking, alcoholic beverages and some narcotic substances can cause disruption of internal organs.

Shades and disease provocateurs

There are many reasons provoking the appearance of a green plaque in the language. Is it possible to more accurately define the disease and how to do it? Experts recommend paying attention to the shade of greenery, which helps to more accurately diagnose an existing disease:

1. Yellow green. Even a weak manifestation of yellowness indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the body, since yellowness is characteristic when the outflow of bile is disturbed. The reason may lie in ARVI or a common cold. However, if the disease does not manifest itself, and the plaque has not gone away for several months, the pathology must be looked for with the help of medical tests. The problem may be associated with a malfunction of the biliary tract or liver.
2. White-green. A slight whitish cast is normal, especially in the morning. However, the layering on the green plaque indicates intestinal problems (gastritis, constipation, ulcer).
3. Dark green. The appearance of such a color of the mucous membrane indicates serious diseases - severe forms of pancreatic disease, Crohn's disease, cholera. However, if there are no more accompanying symptoms, the cause may lie in severe dehydration.
4. Gray green. In most cases, the culprit of such a raid is candidiasis.

Establishing diagnosis

Only a medical examination can accurately determine the cause of the appearance of deposits. The primary appointment is carried out by a general practitioner who examines the general condition of the patient and prescribes a referral for tests and, if necessary, for other procedures.

Associated symptoms will help diagnose

In addition to the color of the plaque, there are several symptoms that should be considered in order to increase the accuracy of the diagnosis of diseases. Among them:

1. Plaque thickness. It is she who is directly proportional to the severity of the disease. If the deposits are thin and loose, then the disease is only gaining momentum. A thick green layer on the surface of the tongue indicates an advanced form of the disease.
2. Possibility of elimination. If tongue cleaning does not cause difficulties, then the likelihood of serious malfunctions of the body is minimal. In the presence of severe pathologies, it is quite difficult to eliminate plaque with an ordinary brush.
3. Localization. Different parts of the language have a direct connection with certain organs. For example, if the plaque is concentrated on the tip, the assumption of heart disease can be made. Localization at the root is compared with malfunctions of the intestine, in the middle - of the liver and gallbladder.

Green tongue in a child

In infants a greenish tongue may be due to candidiasis from an infected mother. If we are talking about a child over six months, then first of all it is necessary to make sure that he did not eat foods containing food coloring. If this factor is excluded, and the plaque does not go away over time, there is a possibility of a violation of the internal organs.

It is necessary to diagnose childhood diseases strictly in a medical institution.

What to do?

There are situations when a patient cannot visit a doctor in the near future. Then you should take measures on your own to temporarily improve the state of the microflora:

1. Enjoy antiseptic. Great for rinsing Miramistin or Chlorhexidine solution water based.
2. Bactericidal agents. For example, Chlorophyllipt. It is used to prevent inflammatory processes, and the oil of eucalyptus leaves, which is part of the composition, has an antibacterial effect.
3. Folk recipes. To rinse the mouth, make an infusion of mint or St. John's wort (dry herbs can be bought at the pharmacy).

When to see a doctor?

A trip to a medical institution should not be delayed for both children and adults. It is necessary to see a doctor whenever possible. Especially if, in addition to the green tint, any other unpleasant symptoms appear. Full recovery occurs only when the true cause of the disease is found and eliminated.

Preventive actions

Preventive measures only work for fungal diseases and changes in the color of the oral cavity due to poor hygiene. To eliminate provoking factors, you must:

1. Brush your teeth and tongue daily. If possible, rinse the oral cavity with a special herbal-based composition.
2. Eliminate bad habits - smoking, drinking alcohol.
3. Undergo regular preventive body checks.
4. Maintaining the immune system. Periodic intake of vitamin complexes eliminates a large number of health problems.

Effects

A greenish coating on the surface of the tongue is a kind of indicator of health. A negligent attitude towards diagnosis and treatment can lead to the development of a provocative disease.

When it comes to malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract, the lack of treatment can lead to ulcers, cirrhosis and purulent inflammation.

Fungal diseases are dangerous with the likelihood of becoming severe, spreading to other internal organs, and poor hygiene can result in stomatitis. For this reason, for any changes in the color of the tongue and other mucous membranes, it is better to immediately contact a medical institution. This will help maintain health and cure existing diseases at an early stage.