Mechanical Irritation from Sharp Tooth Edges or Dental Appliances
One of the most common causes of white tongue is mechanical irritation from sharp tooth edges or dental equipment. In addition, dentures and ill-fitting crowns can cause open sores on the tongue, which appear white due to the inflammation that develops within them. However, even people with healthy teeth and no visible signs of trauma to their mouth may experience white tongues due to scraping against their teeth.
Scraping your tongue against your teeth or biting on hard objects can break the tissue in your mouth or damage your tooth enamel, which may then irritate or cut into your tongue, causing it to become inflamed and appear white. People who grind their teeth in sleep are especially prone to this type of white tongue, which can also occur if you bite your tongue in the daytime.
The pain caused by scraping your tongue against your teeth can be enough to make you bring it up with a dentist who can prescribe a dental guard to protect your tongue and prevent further irritation. Likewise, if you notice that it’s becoming painful to eat certain foods, you’re likely biting on them too hard, and you should ask for an evaluation from a doctor or dentist.
