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coated tongue vs. thrush
Jan 27, 2002
what is the difference between the 2? I have had a coating on my tongue after a risky exposure. I can brush this off as it goes from the front to back, but not all, & the tongue does not bleed. I can see though red raised dots which were not the norm before.
thanks
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Response from Dr. Reznik
Coated tongue is a condition normally seen in the general population, which is nothing more than an overgrowth of the normal papillae of the tongue which traps oral bacterial plaque and debris. It may be possible for Candida species to be present, as over 60% of the general population harbors the fungal organisms, which lead to candidiasis or thrush. This is why Candida species are referred to as a commensal organism.
Candidiasis or thrush is an overgrowth of this commensal organism which can appear anywhere within the oral cavity. Candidiasis is associated with underlying medical problems such as diabetes or HIV disease as well as use of certain medications including broad-spectrum antibiotics and topical or systemic corticosteroids. Where it is possible for pseudomembranous candidiasis to appear solely on the tongue, this is not normally the case.
I hope this clears up an issue or two,
DR
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