
taking probiotics, which involves taking live bacterial cultures.taking prebiotics, which are substances that feed beneficial bacteria.Doctors can address this through antifungal drugs as well as measures that protect the microbiome. Scientists believe that suppressing stomach acid production may allow species of yeast that typically grow at harmless levels, such as C. A 2017 review noted that in some studies, people taking drugs known as H2 antagonists had higher rates of Candida albicans (a type of yeast) in their digestive tracts, particularly in the esophagus. However, there is an association between some drugs that doctors use to treat GERD and yeast overgrowth, which can cause a white tongue. Additionally, this was a small study, so may not apply to a larger population. A 2020 study drawing on TCM found that people with GERD had more “fur” on certain parts of the tongue, but this did not coat the whole tongue. Research so far has not shown a strong connection between acid reflux and a white coating on the tongue. The researchers stated that this could indicate the presence and severity of GERD, but they also call for larger trials to confirm this, as their study included only 67 participants. For example, a 2020 case control observational study based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) found that people with GERD had more “fur” on certain parts of their tongue than those without the disease. Some systems of medicine consider tongue changes to be a method for diagnosing diseases elsewhere in the body. However, as this is a single study, more research is necessary to confirm the results. Less common symptoms included red lesions on the gums, roof of the mouth, and tongue. 25.5% had severe gum disease (periodontitis).An individual 2016 study from India found that in people with GERD: This occurs when acid reaching the mouth damages tissues in the mouth over time.

Some common examples include:Ī less common symptom of GERD is damage to the tongue. The medical name for this is laryngopharyngeal reflux, which occurs when acid reaches the throat.

However, frequent acid reflux, or GERD, often causes oral symptoms. It is not common for acid reflux to affect the appearance of the tongue, especially if it is infrequent.
