白舌是舌头表面的微小毛状突起（称为舌乳头）过度生长或肿胀的结果。碎屑、细菌和死细胞可能卡在增大的、有时肿胀的乳头之间，这使舌头看起来有一层白色覆盖物。虽然出现白舌让人担心，但这种情况通常无害且仅持续一段时间。
然而，白舌也可能是某些严重疾病的征兆，如感染及癌前病变等。如果不加以治疗，这些疾病可能会导致癌症。
如果您对舌头上的白色覆盖物或白斑感到不安，请联系医生或牙医。
除非由严重的健康问题导致，否则白舌总体上无害。用牙刷或刮舌器轻刷舌头以及多喝水可能对其有效。
如果出现以下情况，请与医生或牙医约诊：
显示参考文献
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Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/zh-hans/symptoms/white-tongue/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050676