what causes white coated tongue
Causes. White tongue is the result of an overgrowth and swelling of the fingerlike projections (papillae) on the surface of your tongue. The appearance of a white coating is caused by debris, bacteria and dead cells getting lodged between the enlarged and sometimes inflamed papillae.Causes of papillae hypertrophy or inflammation include, for example: 1  Poor oral hygiene. 2  Dry mouth.he appearance of a white coating is caused by debris, bacteria and dead cells getting lodged between the enlarged and sometimes inflamed papillae. Causes of papillae hypertrophy or inflammation include, for example: