A gray tongue that looks bad and feels uncomfortable could be a sign of a more serious health problem. To effectively avoid and treat this condition, it is important to know the different factors that can cause a gray tongue. Splendora Dental suggests a few considerations regarding the issue.

Causes of a Gray Tongue

• Dental Hygiene
  A gray tongue is often caused by poor oral hygiene, which is caused by not taking care of your teeth properly. A discolored tongue can happen when germs and food bits don’t get cleaned off of the tongue properly. As part of your daily tooth care, you should brush your tongue every day to keep it healthy and stop this buildup from happening.
• Using Cigarettes
  Not only does smoking change the color of your teeth and tongue, but it can also make your tongue gray because it collects germs and poisons. Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your teeth and your health. You will also live longer without getting gray teeth.
• Prescription Drugs
  Some medicines can sometimes make your tongue look gray. If you think that a change in the color of your tongue is caused by a drug you’re taking, you should talk to your doctor. To improve this symptom, you should switch medicines or change the amount you’re taking.
• Loss of Hydration
  Being thirsty can also make your tongue turn gray. If your tongue is dry and stained, it means your body isn’t getting enough water. It is suggested that you drink enough water throughout the day to avoid becoming dehydrated and getting a gray tongue.
• Medical Issues
  In some cases, a gray tongue could be a sign of a more serious health problem. Getting sick with oral fungal infections or bacterial diseases can make the tongue gray.

Promotion of Health and Medical Care for Gray Tongue

• Keeping up with good dental hygiene
  If you don’t want your white teeth to turn gray from not brushing them, you should do it every day as part of your dental care routine. A tongue scraper can be used to help get rid of more food and germs on the tongue.
• Stopping smoking cigarettes
  If smoking is the cause of your gray tongue, you need to stop right away to stop more discoloration and improve your mouth health in general.
• Drinking enough water
  Splendora Dental suggests if you want to avoid getting your lips and tongue from being dehydrated, drink a lot of water during the day.
• A look at the medicines
  If you think a medicine is making your tongue turn gray, talk to your doctor about possible options or changes.
• Getting rid of the causes of illness
  It is very important to see a doctor for a gray tongue to ensure it isn’t caused by a disease or something else with your health.

Final Words

In conclusion, not taking care of your teeth properly is one of many possible causes of a gray tongue, which can be a sign of more serious health problems. People can avoid or deal with having a gray tongue by learning about the possible causes and taking steps to avoid them.

Just by following a few good habits, you can avoid any type of dental and oral problems. If you need more help, Splendora Dental can help.