Coating on tongue

[joannie10]

I have a bit of a white coating on my tongue and it does feel a bit tingly and dry. I am assured there is no bad smell and there is no bad taste, just a dryness. Thinking back I had a bit of a head cold about 6 or so weeks ago and I think it has probably been since around then. I would feel I keep a healthy diet, keep hydrated and have good dental hygiene. Not only is there this coating(is not a particularly thick coating, its just there) but my tongue is a bit tingly. There are some cracks but don't think any more than usual. I normally use a one a day colgate mouthwash as recommended by the dentist but for past week I have used a listerine antiseptic one but does not seem to have made a difference and is very tingly when I use it. I have the dentist 3 weeks from now, just for my 6 monthly check up and scale and polish - should I just hang off until then or should I see the doctor re this or can anyone offer any suggestions. Many thanks

[Ratty2E]

It could be oral thrush. You can get something over the counter from the chemist for it.

[Sqad]

Is this "white coating" generalised or a patch....if the latter how big is the patch?

Where abouts on the tongue is this?

Are you on any medication?

[joannie10]

thanks both for responding. coating is more to centre, back of tongue but also feel in general tongue is a paler colour all over - would normally be a more deeper pink/red.

[Sqad]

Oral thrush is usually painful.

It may well be an allergy to your mouth wash.

Stop using mouth wash and wait until you see your dentist in 3 weeks time.

No big deal.

[joannie10]

the colgate mouthwash I have used for a number of years. I only started using listerine one this week thinking it might get rid of the coating and dry taste. Thinking about it I don't think I was getting the tingly feeling til this week that could the coating just be the remains from the head cold and i have made tongue worse by changing the mouthwash?

[Sqad]

joannie...sounds a reasonable explanation to me.

[joannie10]

thanks for your help, I will be patient and hopefully it will be gone soon but if not can discuss with dentist.