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Q: Dry mouth, white tongue

asked by: tman2 on February 24th, 2009

New User

For about 2 months now, I've been experiencing a dry mouth/throat as well as a white coating on my tongue. It can be brushed off or scraped off by a tongue scraper, but within a few hours, the coating is back. I don't think it's oral thrush, but I'm not sure. I also thought it might be dehydration so I drank about a gallon of water yesterday, and another gallon today, and it hasn't helped. In fact, drinking water makes the feeling/dryness in my mouth seem to get worse. Eating helps because it stimulates saliva production, but only for a few minutes and I can't go around eating 24/7 Rolling Eyes

Rolling Eyes

Does anyone know what this could be and what I can do about it?

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Replies(7)

michianderson

replied on February 24th, 2009

Experienced User

I would go to the doctor. It could be oral thrush (same symptoms) but I think there are other things it could be as well.

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tman2

replied on February 24th, 2009

New User

Thanks for the reply michianderson. I will try to get to a doctor as soon as I can. Is there anything specific you think it could be (besides thrush)?

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michianderson

replied on February 24th, 2009

Experienced User

Do you have bad breath from it?

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tman2

replied on February 24th, 2009

New User

I think, but I'm not really sure. I tried the licking the back of my hand thing, and sometimes it's bad, and sometimes not.

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michianderson

replied on February 24th, 2009

Experienced User

I think with oral thrush if you scrape away the white stuff there is red tissue that can bleed. Also I believe it can be quite painful. Have you tried gargling with hydrogen peroxide a couple of times a day? Don't swallow it just swish it around your mouth & spit. If you are othewise healthy I don't think it would be anything serious. If you have a disease that effects your immune system it could be a serious condition.

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tman2

replied on February 24th, 2009

New User

Oh! Something I forgot to mention: I just finished an accutane course about 3 months ago, and accutane, from what i've read, has been known to compromise the immune system. I have also gotten sick more than usual after taking accutane. This is probably a part of it right?

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michianderson

replied on February 24th, 2009

Experienced User

I suppose it could be. I don't know a lot about accutane but if it does compromise your immune system this could be an infection. Your body would definitely be more suseptible to an infection. Have you had a temp? I would maybe just call your doctor's nurse and explain your symptoms to her. She can go over your records with your doctor and decide whether you need to start antibiotics or not.

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