by 
The Curious Bag
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A coated tongue may cause embarrassment, but it can also point to a medical condition or personal hygiene habit that needs adjusting.
Geographic Tongue
Some people have more fissures and grooves in their tongue than the general population. This "geographic tongue," so named because it resembles a map, can trap excessive bacteria, leading to frequent tongue coating, according to the website Badbreathology.
Papillae
According to the Mayo Clinic, the tongue contains tiny projections called papillae projecting from its surface. Bacteria or dead cells on papillae can make the tongue appear white. Alcohol abuse, mouth breathing, smoking, or poor oral hygiene can contribute to this condition.
Leukoplakia
White patches may indicate a yeast infection called thrush or a pre-cancerous condition known as leukoplakia, notes Badbreathology. White, itchy stripes indicate an ailment called lichen plantus.
Bacteria
The Mayo Clinic states that some mouth bacteria contain pigments can turn a coated tongue yellow instead of white.
Black, Hairy Tongue
When the tongue's papillae overgrow, the elongated projections can give the tongue a hairy appearance. Bacteria or other foreign matter then turn the papillae black. Medications can cause this temporary condition.
Source:
Badbreathology: Underlying Causes of Coated Tongue and Their Significance
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