The natural color of a healthy tongue is pink or red; however, sometimes, an underlying condition causes it to change to an unnatural color. If you are someone suffering from a green tongue and looking for ways to cure it, you are at the right place. A green tongue can be amusing when it occurs after eating something with green food coloring. On the other hand, it is an alarming occurrence when it happens naturally.
A green tongue is typically the result of an infection or an overgrowth of specific bacteria. It can either be a sign of some serious medical condition or a result of your bad lifestyle. In both conditions, treating the tongue is crucial to maintaining your health, hygiene, and overall well-being. In this blog, we will share how to cure green tongue medically and with the help of home remedies.
Best Medical Treatments to Cure Green Tongue
The treatment of green tongue depends on its underlying cause. However, there are some common medical treatments to consider, depending on the cause. Such treatments include:
1. Antifungal Medications
If the green tongue is caused by yeast or a fungal infection like oral thrush, the best way to cure it is by using antifungal medications. There are numerous antifungal medications such as clotrimazole, itraconazole, nystatin, or oral fluconazole. These medications can be in the form of mouthwash, pill, or tablet that helps you eliminate the fungal overgrowth on your tongue and aid in removing the green color.
2. Antibiotics
When the green tongue is caused by bacterial infections like streptococcal, antibiotics such as erythromycin, penicillin, etc., can help. Besides that, if an infection or inflammation in your stomach is causing the green tongue, antibiotics that can reduce the inflammation in your stomach are also used. For inflammation, you can take meds like corticosteroids or antihistamines. And if you’re dealing with bile or acid reflux, try medications that reduce stomach acid.
3. Topical Treatments
Depending on the underlying cause, topical treatments like antibacterial or antifungal mouthwashes or gels can be used to treat the affected area. To prevent bacterial growth, dilute hydrogen peroxide in water and use it as a mouth rinse. If the cause is hairy tongue syndrome, you can alleviate the symptoms with toothpaste or mouthwash, as it typically does not require medical treatment.
4. Medication or Surgery
A green tongue can also stem from serious health issues like liver diseases, oral cancer, or nutritional deficiencies. In these cases, medical treatment is needed to address the green tongue effectively. For oral cancer, options might include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Additionally, oral leukoplakia can be managed with Vitamin A or retinoids.
5. Adjustment of Medications
Sometimes, the green tongue can be caused by a side effect from some heavy medication you take. In such a situation, to treat the green tongue, you can adjust the dosage, switch to an alternate medicine, or take some antibiotic or additional supportive care to reduce the effect.
6. Dietary and Lifestyle Changes
Dietary and lifestyle changes are highly crucial to curing green tongue and reducing its visibility. This includes improving oral hygiene, brushing teeth and tongue twice, adopting healthy dietary habits, flossing daily, increasing water intake, avoiding smoking, using mouthwash, etc. Also, steer clear of mouthwashes with harsh chemicals, and try to avoid candies, chewing gum, and spicy foods since they can boost bacteria on your tongue.
7. Tongue Scraping
Tongue scraping is important to reduce the germs on the tongue surface and cure the green tongue. Although tongue scraping alone cannot cure green tongue, it does help accelerate the healing process when used with medication. It should be a part of your daily oral hygiene to reduce the chances of such tongue problems.
Top Home Remedies to Cure Green Tongue That Work
If you are dealing with green tongue but prefer to try home remedies before seeking medication, here are some natural home remedies you can try.
8. Drink Water
Staying hydrated is most important for maintaining saliva production and removing bacteria and germs from the tongue. Drinking water helps to flush away accumulated bacteria, which restores the natural color of your tongue.
9. Rinse with Saltwater
Saltwater has natural antibacterial properties, and rinsing your mouth with it can help reduce bacteria on your tongue and cure green tongue. Mix a teaspoon of salt with warm water and rinse your mouth three to four times per day.
10. Salt
Salt has antiseptic properties that aid in eliminating bacteria. Brushing your tongue with salt helps you remove germs and dead cells. This works as a natural tongue scraper for curing green tongue.
11. Probiotics
Probiotics are good bacteria that can increase your body’s defense against bad bacteria, including the ones present on your tongue. Therefore, increase the intake of probiotics to balance the good bacteria in your mouth and cure green tongue. Some good sources of probiotics are yogurt, dairy products, cheese, etc.
12. Mint
Mint is used for bad breath, which is associated with a green tongue. It not only helps eliminate foul smell but also cleans the tongue and helps in restoring its original color.
13. Turmeric and Honey
Turmeric and honey are known for their antibacterial properties, making them a proven home remedy for green tongues. Mix turmeric and honey to create a paste and apply it to the tongue. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse. This remedy not only helps in curing green tongue but also reduces oral thrush.
14. Avoid Colored Foods
When you have a green tongue, reduce or avoid food and drinks that are green in color, as they can intensify the green color of your tongue. Foods like candies, beverages, ice cream, popsicles, etc. in green color should be avoided.
15. Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is recognized for its exfoliating effects and maintaining the pH level in the mouth. It neutralizes acids and removes discoloration from the tongue. Mix baking soda with water or lemon juice and apply the paste to your tongue. Gently brush the tongue for a few seconds and rinse with water.
16. Glycerin
Glycerin is an excellent solvent that dissolves and removes stains and residues from the tongue, reducing discoloration. Apply vegetable glycerin to the tongue and brush it for a few minutes. Rinse with warm water and repeat daily until the green color completely fades.
Conclusion
We can state that green tongue can be caused by several reasons, and the treatment depends on the seriousness and the underlying cause. We have discussed medications and home remedies to help you treat your green tongue the way you prefer. However, see a doctor to receive the correct medication and ensure that the cause is not significant enough to require surgery.
