DEAR DR. GOTT: I have a problem with my tongue turning white. I brush the coating off each morning, but by nighttime, I have to do it again. I can’t understand why this happens. It is worse when I eat a lot of sweets. What do I need to do? I like a pink tongue.
DEAR READER: The white coating to which you refer is the result of inflammation of the tiny projections on the surface of your tongue, caused by dead cells, bacteria and debris. There are several reasons for this generally harmless condition. The first is dehydration. Then there’s excessive alcohol consumption and smoking. [Read more...]