why is my tongue white even after brushing it

A white tongue even after brushing can be caused by a buildup of bacteria, dead cells, and food debris trapped between the swollen papillae (tiny bumps) on the tongue's surface. Poor or incomplete tongue cleaning during brushing, dehydration, dry mouth, and certain ingredients in toothpaste (such as stannous fluoride or pyrophosphates) can contribute to the white coating. Other factors such as mouth breathing, smoking, alcohol use, or underlying health conditions like oral thrush (a fungal infection) can also cause a persistent white tongue appearance. Proper cleaning, including scraping the tongue, hydration, and good oral hygiene usually resolves it. If the white coating persists for weeks or is accompanied by pain or difficulty in eating, a healthcare professional's evaluation is recommended as it could signal more serious conditions.