Low Roughage Diet
The appearance of a white tongue can be a sign of several different health conditions, but it is most commonly the result of a low roughage diet. The tongue’s surface is covered in papillae, tiny little tube-like protrusions that contain taste buds (the things that allow us to taste food). When we eat, the papillae are pushed up so that the taste buds are closer to the surface. This makes it easier for us to taste our food and enjoy the flavors. Unfortunately, low roughage diets can cause the papillae to retract because they don’t have enough bulk to continue pushing them out of the way.
The lack of bulk comes from eating foods with low fiber content, such as processed snack foods and sugar-laden foods. When this happens, the taste buds aren’t pushed up as far and make more of an impression on the tongue. Instead of soft bumps under your tongue, they become hard bumps that look like white spots or streaks on your tongue’s surface.
A diet low in roughage, like fruits and vegetables, can cause white tongue because it can deprive your body of essential nutrients. A deficiency in Vitamin B12 or folic acid can also lead to white tongue. This can occur from a malabsorption disorder (a condition that prevents some vitamins and nutrients from being digested) or from certain medications.
