Did you know that overgrowth and swelling of the finger like projections (papillae) on the surface of your tongue is the main cause for white tongue? Dr. Sravya C Tipirneni Consultant Dermatologist & Cosmetologist Columbia Asia Hospital – Whitefield will decipher for us the causes symptoms and treatment options of getting rid of white tongue. Causes of a white furry tongue: Debris bacteria and dead cells are lodged between the enlarged inflamed papillae of which a white coating is formed. Most common causes of white tongue are: • Poor oral hygiene • Dry mouth • Dehydration • Smoking or other