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Coated tongue is an unpleasant and not infrequent problem caused by a buildup of dead skin cells, called keratin, on the tongue. It's basically harmless--coated tongue is not contagious--and can affect both men and women. Treatment for for the condition is simple and can be carried out at home.
Toothbrushing
Brushing your teeth and tongue after each meal serves to rub off excess keratin and food particles that may lead to coated tongue.
Tongue Scraping
Daily use of a tongue scraper is a quick and painless way to remove excess keratin from the tongue. This is considered the most effective method, according to the American Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology.
Quitting Smoking
Smoking dries out the mouth and prevents keratin from being washed away. Smokers should take steps to quit smoking, as this will increase saliva in the mouth and decrease keratin.
Drinking Water
Dehydration can prevent food particles and keratin from being swallowed. Drinking extra water each day can improve saliva production and prevent coated tongue.
Breathing Through the Nose
Be careful to breath through the nose, not the mouth. Breathing through the mouth can dry out the mouth and cause keratin to develop. Breathing through the nose will increase the amount of saliva produced, which will aid in the elimination of keratin.
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