Understanding White Spots on Tongue: Causes & When to See a Doctor

White spots on side of the tongue can indicate a major health problem, or a simple bacterial issue. Depending on the severity of the spots, there may or may not be cause to worry. Sometimes this color change happens under, on top of, or just on the edges. Make sure you keep a close eye on any changes of the white spots on the side of the tongue.

Things You'll Need

• Mirror

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Look for flaking or raw patches of skin, besides the white spots on side of the tongue. This could indicate oral thrush which is like a bacterial infection in the mouth.

• 2

  Move your lips and gums around while looking in a mirror to search for other patches other than the white spots on the side of tongue. This could be Leukoplakia, which occurs in older people commonly.

• 3

  Think about other bodily symptoms. Are you extra thirsty, do you have diarrhea? Is your skin dry? White spots on the side of tongue can indicate dehydration.

• 4

  Consider your medical history. Those with immune deficiency, or those taking immune deficiency drugs often get white spots on the side of the tongue. This includes people with AIDS.