U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
A 41-year-old member asked:

Every morning there is a orange/white coating on my tongue. what causes this?

2 doctor answers9 doctors weighed in
Dr. Charles Cattano
Gastroenterology 41 years experience
Maybe thrush(fungus): The tongue is known to have many variations with pigmenting, size, appearance, & not always due to disease. Causes of tongue that looks patchy include: lichen planus (responds to steroids), white sponge nevus (familial, benign, permanent), smoker's leukoplakia (2% risk of cancer, needs biopsy), hairy leukoplakia (due to epsteinbarr virus), warts (due to papillomavirus), "thrush" (rx antifungals).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Keerti Sahasrabudhe
24 years experience
Many causes: Have you been on antibiotics recently? Anyway, yeast infection can do that and so can acid reflux. A dentist or ENT should be able to help you.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Sep 29, 2016

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.